Relaxation has tremendous healing powers but is all too often a neglected part of health in today's society. Relaxation can increase immunity, help digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of toxins. It can help us cope with the big and little problems in life. It can help our mental health; and it can help our spiritual health.

 

You dont have to use an organised relaxation method such as Yoga, although that is helpful. Explore ways to relax.  It may be listening to music, watching the wind in the trees, or visualizing a special place just for you with all the sights sounds smells and textures associated with this special place. Or thinking about a mathematical puzzle might relax you; there are no rules, it's really whatever suits you and allows your mind and body to drift. The old method of taking deep breaths can be a great help, as can tensing and relaxing your muscles.

 

Are you Too busy to relax? You will be able to do more and feel better if you relax every day. It doesnt take long. Start by either sitting or lying for 10 WHOLE minutes EVERY day and explore ways to relax. It really doesn't matter if dont ACTUALLY relax in that time; the first step is just being there. Aim to get "fit to relax", a bit like getting fit for sport it will take time, but the benefits to your health and happiness are tremendous.

 

If you are struggling to relax it may be that your body is short of the ingredients you need to relax.

 

All of the B vitamins help the body to relax, these are high in wholegrains, nuts, leafy vegetables, meat (best organic) and pulses such as beans and lentils. Magnesium is a mineral that helps the body relax mentally and physically. You can find magnesium in all vegetables, as well as nuts and seeds.

 

There are a great deal of herbs that help the body to relax, including Valarian, Passiflora, Skullcap, and Vervain. These herbs can strengthen your nervous system, as well as making you feel more relaxed.

 

But whatever you eat or take; do still find time for that 10 minutes to learn to relax every day.