Are you on pins and needles?
I.M. Soni

LIVING stress-filled lives has become the order of the day for most people.

In almost every walk of life, be it business, social, professional or educational, there is intense competition. As a consequence, almost every individual faces stress in his everyday life which leaves him tired, tense and distraught.

It is imperative, therefore, for every person to learn the art of relaxation to face the challenges of modern living.

A few useful suggestions that can lower the tension of everyday living will not be out of place.

Dispense with the notion that time spent resting is a sheer waste. Many people prefer to keep themselves busy till bedtime. What is more they take pride in it. They mistakenly think they are made of sterner stuff.

Give yourself a good rest. You owe it to your mind as well as your body. You will also be able to accomplish more in less time. Select a proper time for rest. The importance of doing this is usually overlooked. If you are engaged in strenuous activity all day long, make it a point to take short breaks throughout the day. A few minutes of rest every two hours will be more refreshing than an hour’s rest at the end of the toil.

If possible, try to rest just before or after lunch. Find a comfortable chair, stretch out your limbs and keep your eyes closed. Do the same before the evening meals.

At home, lie on your bed. It will give you rest. Complete muscular relaxation shuts off mental activity, including worry.

Try breaking the habit of carrying on the day’s activity till late at night. If you work till midnight, you will condition your mind and body to remain active till then. You will not be able to sleep even if you want to.

A person who trains himself to relax and fall asleep, say, at ten, actually manages to sleep by that time. Relaxation becomes a way of life with him. Try it.

Get the maximum out of your daily life by organising it better. Do not fritter away energy on minor tasks. Don’t enter into useless arguments, they work up your nerves. Avoid futile discussions and save energy. Avoid undue irritability and resentment as these poison your system.

The secret of relaxation lies in auto-conditioning. You have to direct your inner self to deal with tensions and fatigue. All your suggestions should be positive. You can say to your mind: "I will seek out whatever seems to be the best way to fight tension. I will seek tranquillity of mind. I will grapple courageously with all tension-ridden situations."

Now, for the technique of deep relaxation. Choose a quiet corner, relax in an easy chair and close your eyes to shut off all sensations from your surroundings. Words like the following should form your mantra.

"I am going to relax deeply. I begin with my hands. My hands become limp and heavy. They are getting heavier and heavier." These words should be repeated slowly so that they sink into the mind.

Let your hands become limp as if they were soaked leaves, hanging loosely from the branch of a tree. Lift each of your arms in turn and drop it as if it were lifeless. Relax every tense muscle. Continue relaxing every part of your body. You will begin to feel more and more at peace.

As this sense of tranquillity spreads to your arms, legs, and other parts of the body, feel it reach your face and upwards. Let your face become serene. Feel it become as tranquil as a lake after a storm has passed, the ripples have smoothened out and the calm surface mirrors the trees, clouds and the sky.

Relaxation is a psychological condition transformed into a physical reality.