Struggling With Illness? Try Relaxing Your Mind

Nowadays not only are we busy physically but also mentally. In fact according to a Mental Health Foundation survey 81% of us agree that the fast pace of life and the number of things we have to do and worry about these days, is a major cause of stress. If we knew now to slow down and live in the moment people would be much happier and healthier. Instead of struggling with illness perhaps we could accept it as a natural part of life. We can still take drugs, have surgery or try some other forms of therapy but by learning how to be with our condition, rather than fighting it so hard, we could reduce our stress, giving treatments the best chance to work, and ourselves the best chance of recovery. However, we can help ourselves by calmly quietly and kindly observing our mind, where we see our repetitive, negative thinking patterns, our uncomfortable feelings – anger, perhaps, sadness or fear and we notice how they impel on us towards reactions which cause us suffering and pain, even though we hope they will make us happier. Practising relaxation of our minds can lead to positive changes in the brain, increasing activity and helping our health and wellbeing. There are many relaxation techniques, from simple stillness to meditation and yoga. But three of the most common relaxation techniques are: using imagery, muscle relaxation and breathing techniques. These are easy techniques to learn and can be found on numerous websites like MIND that have techniques you can learn. If we are to have a hope of stemming the tide of chronic ill-health and unhappiness in our society, if we really want to live in a world that brings people happiness, if we really want to have a chance of tackling the mindlessness that causes so much stress and suffering, then more and more people will need to learn about the benefits of relaxation of our minds.