Sunday, July 14, 2013

Relaxation: Autogenic Training Technique

I just finished a dedicated time of relaxation with the Journey On mp3 which introduced to me the autogenic training technique.  This concept suggests we have the ability to make any part of the body comfortable and relaxed merely by suggestion.  It works as you concentrate on telling the flow of blood to move from the core, where 80% of the blood flow resides, into a specific body part, such as the arms and hands.  As the blood flow moves in to these areas, you feel a sense of warmness and heaviness, creating a sense of relaxation.

This is the first time I have used this particular relaxation technique, and it did not really work for me the way the audio suggested it should.  I did feel a sense of calm come over me, but I think that was because I closed my eyes and did the deep breathing when prompted by the narrator.  The music was soothing, but I never felt a sense of warmth or heaviness in my arms and hands.  Perhaps with practice I will get better at this power of suggestion to relax my body.

The fact that I sat still and did not concentrate on anything but the narrator’s calming voice for 15 minutes was enough to lower my stress level.  I think anytime we can “unplug” from daily life and close our eyes and take a few deep breaths is beneficial for our health and well being.

I would love to hear your thoughts on relaxation techniques that have been successful for you!

Sheila

2 comments:

  1. Hi Sheila,

    First of all I want to say that you have done a nice job of your blog!

    I enjoyed the relaxation technique and surprised myself by feeling so relaxed, warm and at peace that I found myself drifting off. I didn't think it would work but I was wrong. I will be using more techniques like this to de-stress and to help sleep when needed. My husband has used several techniques for years that help him get to sleep no matter what conditions he is in.

    Have you tried any other techniques before?

    ~Sherrie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Sherrie,

    The only experience I have with relaxation techniques prior to starting my degree program at Kaplan is shopping, lol! And then the bill would always come and I was stressed again so that was not a very effective relaxation technique.

    I must say that I have a hard time keeping intruding thoughts from flooding in when I attempt these exercises. I find myself thinking about grocery lists, my work tasks for the following day, issues with my kids, my ex, etc.

    The most effective thing for me has been the deep breathing. Just closing my eyes in a quiet place works sometimes. Again though, I struggle.

    What I have felt that relaxes me most is time alone reading the Bible. Getting in a quiet place and just concentrating on what God has revealed about Himself to us and reminding myself that I am created unique in Him before the world was even spoken in to existence! That is a powerful reminder to me of Who is really in control and if I put my faith in God that everything will work toward my good because He has promised so.

    Thanks for checking out my blog!

    ReplyDelete