As I spend my days in my office working with patients, I find that I am spending a lot of time reviewing relaxation exercises with them. It is very gratifying to me to see people visibly shed their high tension level within five or ten minutes. I always have people rate their tension level before and after doing the exercises and it is amazing to see that without any magic beans, their anxiety can be reduced from a 10 down to a 2!
An important part of the relaxation process is the use of visualization. In light of my theory regarding the effect of the economy on an individual’s tension level, it doesn’t surprise me that the most popular relaxation scene involves a lounge chair on a tropical island. What has been making me chuckle is that patient after patient describes a cool tropical drink sweating alongside of them! Obviously, people are feeling the need to escape from the pressures of modern life.
The beauty of relaxation techniques is that they allow you to escape whenever you need a break from the demands of your life. More importantly, they stimulate important physiological changes, changes that are essential for good physical health. And bodies that are afflicted with IBS especially need the benefits of relaxation. So, I am hereby reminding you of the need to be aware of, and respond to, the tension level of your body. Practice your relaxation skills and use them on a continual basis! Margaritaville is only a few deep breaths away!