Be kind to your mind

Relaxation

How could relaxation help me?

Exploring relaxation can help you look after yourself when you’re feeling stressed or worried. Have a look at these tips and ideas to see how relaxation can fit into your daily life. Don’t worry if some ideas don’t work for you – just enjoy the ones that do:

• Read a book or a magazine, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
• Run yourself a bath, watch a film, play with a pet or try out a new recipe.
• Focus on your breathing Learning to breathe more deeply can help you feel a lot calmer.
• Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try to keep your shoulders down and relaxed, and place your hand on your stomach – it should rise as you breathe in and fall as you breathe out.
• Count as you breathe. Start by counting 'one, two, three, four' as you breathe in and 'one, two, three, four' as you breathe out. 

Get creative

• Getting in touch with your artistic side can help you feel more calm and relaxed.

• Try painting, drawing, making crafts, playing a musical instrument, dancing, baking or sewing.
• Try not to worry too much about the finished product – just focus on enjoying yourself.

Listen to music

Music can relax you, connect you to your emotions and distract you from worrying thoughts.

• Listen to your favourite songs. Turn up the volume and dance or sing along, or put your headphones on and close your eyes.
• Really listen to the music. Can you pick out different instruments? Can you hear a drum beat or a certain rhythm? Focus on the music, and let other thoughts fade away.

Try these calming sounds to help you relax.  https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/curations/radio-calming-sounds

Information and tips taken from https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/relaxation/relaxation-tips/