Relaxation: Why we need it and how to achieve it

Stress is common in today's fast paced world. Eighty per cent of today’s health problems are related to stress. Heart disease, cancer, headaches, depression, arthritis, hypertension…the list goes on and on. We are flooded by a toxic environment, eat the wrong foods, work too much and play too little. As we go through our daily routine, our bodies react. All of these stimuli can be overwhelming, and often we are not even aware of it!

Mental and physical states are intertwined. For example, when you feel nervous about something you get butterflies in your stomach. When you are angry, your face gets red. An integrated approach must therefore include strategies for both mental and physical relaxation. The two are inseparable.

We are continually growing and evolving. Like a plant heading for the surface, we use up our energy reserves as we change and adapt to everyday circumstances. This can cause us to feel tired, or drained.

We often don’t know how to replenish the energy we have lost, and an imbalance is created. It is this imbalance that is the root of all disease. The energy that sustains us throughout the day is limited. Thus, when stress becomes chronic, one or more organ systems become affected. Exhaustion follows, and it is as though your whole body begins to break down. Hormones are released, and, although useful for dealing with short term stressors, these same hormones cause you to become more vulnerable to illness if they stay in your system for too long.

Time for a vacation! People usually take time off, maybe once or twice a year to recuperate. They don’t realize that it takes awhile to refill this energy tank. In order for a plant to move smoothly through all the transitions it encounters, the environment must be kept moist and soft. One downpour of rain is not enough to fix a drought. We need a slow trickle of rain over a long period of time. In a similar vein, one small vacation will do very little to bring you back to balance. You must adopt a daily relaxation routine, and incorporate it into your lifestyle.

Let’s watch a movie! Watching a movie or socializing may take your mind off of things, but does not lead to deep muscle relaxation. It is only through deep muscle relaxation that real healing can take place.

By using relaxation techniques, it’s as though there is a release of pressure. Almost like a kettle. The energy becomes diffused, expanding and putting us into a state where we can push our way forward. As we do this, we become more in tune with our breathing.

A big part of relaxation is breathing, which is under conscious and unconscious control. It acts as a link or bridge between the two, telling us that mind and body are not separate! Look at your breathing. Your abdomen should go out when you inhale, and go in when you exhale. Many people are not aware of this. It is important not to waste this breath of life, because it is one way of replenishing those energy stores that help us heal and recuperate.

There are many benefits to slowing down. In fact, it can improve performance, increase concentration, improve sleep, enhance mind body awareness, decrease emotional reactivity and promote inner peace and acceptance. Creativity is also enhanced. Remember, tense skeletal muscles leads to tense organs and this can have long-term health consequences.

So just relax! Look at situations as challenges rather than threats. It's all about perspective. Taking time out for relaxation is not boring. It can be fun. Bring someone else along to do relaxation with you, and talk to each other about your experiences. Set an example, and spread the word. Others may be skeptical about what you’re doing but show them the science behind it all. You can then use the extra energy reserves to get out of the darkness, and into the light where you can live your life fully and help your garden thrive. Then you can then help others do the same.

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About the Author

Sherry Duggal is a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. After having completed her bachelor of science degree at UBC (major: cell biology and genetics ; minor psychology) she came to Toronto to pursue her passion for alternative ways of thinking/ healing.

As a naturopathic doctor Sherry focuses on nutrition. She realizes the importance of diet and works at the level of the individual. By offering alternatives and choices she allows the patient to make healthy lifestyle changes. These changes effect not only the physical level but the level of mind and spirit. Sherry believes that food can heal in many ways.