Relaxation techniques on the move!

ZEN TIP TUESDAY #5

For ZTT #5 I welcome Melanie Varey from the UK who shares with us some fabulous relaxation techniques you can do at home and even when you’re on the move travelling!  Melanie is a qualified reflexologist and shares some wonderful breathing and reflexology techniques to help us achieve a sense of calm and relaxation.  More about Melanie and links to her blog and social media are in her bio at the end of this post. 

Welcome, and thank you to those of you linking up for ZTT Link-Up #003.  

Ciao from me, and enjoy!

---

Maintaining a sense of calm and feeling relaxed can be a challenge, particularly when you are on the move or facing a stressful situation. Breathing exercises and reflexology can be used in any setting to promote a sense of comfort and well-being. As a Reflexologist myself I am a huge fan and supporter of the power of Reflexology. Used alongside a breathing technique, it can be an incredibly powerful tool. Here are some of my favourite reflex points and breathing exercises towards a feeling of wellbeing.

YOGIC BREATHING

• Sit, lay or stand as comfortably as you can.
• As you breathe in say “27 in” in your head.
• As you breathe out say “27 out” in your head.
• Continue this (26 in, 26 out, 25 in, 25 out and so on) until you reach 0.
• Aim to calm and lengthen the breath, particularly as you exhale.
• If thoughts pop into your head, allow them to pass and return to your counting.

ABDOMINAL BREATHING

• Place your hands gently just below your ribs.
• With closed eyes, breathe in slowly through your nose until you feel your diaphragm rise.
• Gently, hold the breath for the count of 2.
• Exhale slowly, feeling your diaphragm lower.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

Simply breathing in deeply (that is ensuring that your breath expands your belly), on the inhalation and exhaling slowly is calming in itself. Repeating a positive mantra whilst doing this works to centre the mind and make us feel more positive. This can be anything personal and pertinent to you and your life and needs, for example ‘I feel calm’, or ‘I am loved’. By ensuring that the out-breath is longer than the in-breath, we can slow and steady the breathing and mind.

Focus further by using counting during the breath. For example inhaling for 5, and exhaling for 7, or in for 7 and out for 9 (try to make the exhalation longer than the inhalation).

USING REFLEXOLOGY WITH BREATHING

• The head reflex is located at the top of the thumb on the hands (see image, reflex point A), and the big toe on the feet (point A). By pressing on and around this area we can calm the mind. Press in as deeply as feels comfortable whilst taking a deep, slow breath. Release the pressure as you slowly exhale.
• The solar plexus reflex is wonderful for promoting a sense of calm. Located in the centre of the lower part of the balls of the feet (Image point B). On the hands, located below the joints of the index and middle finger (image point B). Apply pressure to this area, front and back and hold this for a few seconds, inhaling as you press and slowly exhaling as you release the pressure. Working along your hand horizontally, across the finger joints (see image) as this will also stimulate the diaphragm reflex point which is also very calming.
• The adrenal glands work very hard during stressful times so stimulation here can help restore balance. To locate the reflex point on the feet, find the centre of the arch area (as shown in image-reflex point C). To locate the point on the hands, draw a V with your fingers down your index finger and thumb. The point should meet in the middle of the Venus mound. Press here in the fleshy, web part of the hand (see image reflex point C). To use this with breathing, inhale through your nose as you press on both sides of the hand and exhale slowly as you release the pressure.

As with any exercise, practice makes perfect. If you are used to the exercises and reflex points in a calm situation it will be much easier to apply the techniques in more challenging ones. Try and find some time each day to rehearse the methods if you can. It really will pay off.

---

MELANIE VAREY

Two Plus Dogs (a UK-based lifestyle blog focusing on food, well-being and dog friendly living) is written by Melanie (a teacher of 18 years and qualified reflexologist) and her husband Jon (also an education professional with a passion for sport and exercise). 

They are lovers of good food (when eating in and out), exercise, fresh air and finding beautiful places to enjoy in the company of their two cheeky whippets. Finding brilliant products and truly dog friendly places to stay or visit is their passion and they want to share these with like-minded dog families. 

Here’s where you can connect with Melanie:  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter

---

ZTT LINK-UP #003

Inlinkz Link Party