Thursday, August 2, 2012

Relaxation Tips for Kids


People can greatly benefit from relaxation, as with meditation and recreation. With relaxation, there is low tension with the person’s emotional state. In this state, there is an absence of arousal, which often comes from sources like anxiety, anger, and fear. Relaxation techniques involve several strategies that help a person attain a state of calmness, and therefore reduce levels of stress. Relaxation techniques have various health benefits. These techniques help in decreasing muscle tension, lower blood pressure, decrease the heart and respiratory rate. The brain structure, which is involved in this mental state, is the frontal and parietal cortex.

Over the years, research studies have been conducted indicating the close relationship between chronic stress and physical and emotional health. The first relaxation technique, which has been proven effective in stress reduction, is meditation. Among the many problems that can somehow be solved by relaxation techniques include anger management, anxiety and panic attacks, heart problems, depression, migraine attacks, hypertension, insomnia, and pain and stress management. Relaxation techniques can improve the overall well-being of an individual. With relaxation, the functioning of the immune system, as well as other systems of the body, is improved.

In the present days, adults are not the only ones who can greatly benefit from relaxation techniques. Even children are exposed to daily stressful situations. Problems at home and in school can significantly affect their well-being. Therefore, teaching them several relaxation techniques is important. Learning these strategies will help them cope up with the tensions that are coming from the inevitable challenges and problems that they may face as they grow up. Good relaxation techniques have been identified by experts, which are designed to suit the needs of children.

Certain relaxation techniques referred to as formal and passive relaxation exercises, are performed while sitting still or lying quietly which also involves minimal movement. Deep breathing can help children relax by decreasing their respirations, heartbeat, and maintaining a normal blood pressure. The child is instructed to inhale and hold his or her breath for a few minutes and release it slowly. Playing the favorite music of the child can soothe the mind and body of this child. A particular tune, hymn, or instrumental piece can fight stress and provide distractions for the child. This will allow the child to relax.

Other relaxation techniques for children include meditation, laughter, toe tensing, massage, imagery, having adequate rest in between activities, e4xposure to binaural sounds, and power nap. Children can also benefit from a technique known as introvert. However, this relaxation technique is oftentimes difficult for children. It requires the child to reflect on the current situation which is causing him or her to be anxious and stressed. The child should exert an effort in identifying the actual cause of the problem. Children can do any relaxation technique whichever they prefer. All these techniques have one thing in common, which is to empty one’s mind, allowing the person to think of nothing, and relax his or her mind and body.











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