We always want to go back straight to our homes from an exhausting day at work so our bodies can get the rest and relaxation it needs. Speaking of relaxation, there are many effective ways to achieve proper relaxation, and mediation is one of them.

How does meditation work, you ask? Well, you probably have heard of the term before. It’s easy to meditate — it mainly focuses on the calm concentration of one particular thing over a period of time. By doing this, you condition the mind to become more peaceful and free from all negative thoughts. The body can relax well, and toxins will be removed.

When you meditate, your breathing slows down, blood pressure decreases, muscles relax, anxiety minimizes, negative thoughts fade away, thinking becomes more clear, and concentration improves.

The core nature of meditation is by profoundly focusing on one specific subject. Hypnosis is not similar to this for reflection is an active exercise. Meditation takes typically about 30 minutes to complete, so it is crucial to position your body comfortably while doing this.

When you are in the process of meditation, you can concentrate on one of many things; it could be about your breathing, a particular object, a specific sound or even imagery. Whatever you prefer on thinking of, what matters is that you keep yourself focused at all times. You may encounter some disturbances and distraction as you go along so you will need to do your best to concentrate thoroughly. Not to worry, beginners experience this encounters very often. Your thoughts may be unclear as you start meditating but sooner or later, as you practice more and more, your concentration will progress.

You can try these relaxation exercises and incorporate them into your meditation so that you can achieve total relaxation.

Here are some relaxation exercises you can try in your meditation process:

1. Contract then release. This exercise requires a lot of muscle tension. It starts by clenching both fists, pulling it closer to the body. Jaws should be clenched too. Leg muscles should be tensed and while keeping everything contracted, close your eyes as firm as you can. Hold the muscles as tight as you can and then release after 5 seconds. Experience the feeling of muscles relaxing as the tension eases up.
2. Weight and temperature. Think as if your body is getting heavier and warmer as minutes pass by. Picture yourself wearing lead boots. Then, try to imagine the center of your body getting warmer and your forehead getting colder. Breathe appropriately during the entire exercise and imagine the weight and temperature rising.
3. The relaxation place. Imagine an ideal relaxation spot in your mind. You may think of one place that already exists or imagination of your own. When you are in the area you have chosen, imagine that you are wearing comfortable clothes. Feel warmhearted and calm in your vision. Relax and feel the moment as you stay in your imaginary relaxation place.

There you have it, some basic relaxation exercises you can try when you are under a stressful situation.