Ways to Relax Even if You Are Not Consciously Stressed Out

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4- maintain a balance between the body and mind
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mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;during a match
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mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;A person who adopts Tai Chi principles will be able to
mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt;balance the yin and yang "life force energy" of Chi.
font-family:"Times New Roman";Yin and yang represent the widely acknowledged
mso-ansi-language:#0400;symbols of Chinese culture that are based on the
mso-fareast-language:#0400;concept of opposite forces that make up the life
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}force energy. Yin and yang are complementary, but
In this article, we look at a comprehensive list ofopposing forces. For instance, yin is still and yang
relaxation methods that have use in relaxing the mindmoves. Yin is passive; yang is active, and so on. Tai
even if stress is not a problem for you. Even if youChi builds in the balance of the yin and yang by
don't have stress its important to find ways todeveloping the ability to balance the "yielding" and
unwind and lighten-up the senses especially on the"aggressive/attacking" characteristics of martial arts
last few days before a fight.combat.
Relaxation methods: 
- VisualizationYoga: There are many forms of yoga. Almost all
- Meditationyoga techniques rejuvenate the mind without
- Breathing exercisesexhausting the body. Yoga can train the muscles and
- Exercisethe mind simultaneously. Yoga can dramatically
- Leisure activityincrease your flexibility of movement, which is a big
- Ganzfeld Mindwave Gogglesbenefit for a grappler and contact athlete, and
- Muscle relaxation through breathing techniquesmentally you will become more alert and attentive.
- Tai Chi trainingThe benefits of yoga become apparent if you stick
- Yogawith a regular daily pattern and carry out the
- Prayerexercise in a consistent and disciplined manner. Yoga
- A good night's sleepis not something you can do two days before the
- Music therapymatch and expect it to work for you. It takes a few
- Planning your outfitweeks, though you will start noticing perceptible
- Humor therapychanges within a few days of starting the exercises.
-  The suggested ideal time is 45 minutes per session
Visualization: This technique is a method to practicefor best results, but you can spend a shorter time,
and strategize your moves against your opponent.especially if you have identified just a few key
This activity gives a grappler or combat athlete foodexercises that you want to go with. Yoga gurus
for thought and has a calming effect since it takesusually suggest that there should be at least a
your mind off your anxieties.three-hour gap between a meal and a yoga session.
 The book, entitled Light on Yoga: The Bible of
Meditation: There are several meditation techniquesModern Yoga by B. K. S. Iyengar, is suggested.
that can help you relax. The quietness and theAnother book by Iyengar, Light on pranayama: The
single-minded focus required in meditation can relaxYogic Art of Breathing covers breathing exercises
the mind and restore a sense of well-being.through yoga. Iyengar is an acknowledged guru and
 considered a top authority on the practice of yoga.
Breathing exercises: Breathing exercise is the simplest 
and quickest form of relaxing and calming yourselfPrayer: Many athletes find prayer to have the
for the game, and it can be done anywhere andtherapeutic effect of taking away all worries and
anytime. Any good yoga instructor can provide thegiving a sense of divine support. When you talk in
right guidelines to proper breath control.your mind during prayer, your deepest anxieties get
 expressed, and when you seek blessings, it has a
Exercise: You can use any form of exercise that youcathartic effect on you.
are comfortable with including jogging. Exercise has 
the ability to increase blood flow and oxygen to theA good night's sleep: A good night's sleep is without
brain resulting in the release of chemicals that createdoubt one of the most important requirements to
a positive mood effect.feel fresh and relaxed for a fight. Adequate sleep
 also ensures that your alertness is at peak levels.
Leisure activity: Ask yourself this question: WhatMethods to help you sleep:
would you like to do for fun? What activity cheers- Meditation a half hour before you sleep
you up and relaxes you? It could be anything from- A 10Ag bath
shopping to cooking to playing a video game to even- Avoid watching TV - the flickering lights and the
planning your costume for the fight.brightness of colors and light from a TV can keep
 you wide awake
Ganzfeld Mindwave Goggles: A very recent invention. 
Mindwave Goggles' are a non intrusive way to workMusic therapy: Music can lift the mood; create a
on your mind and consciousness to bring about deepcalming effect and a sense of well being. Music is an
relaxation. When you use the Ganzfeld Mindwaveenjoyable sensory experience that works in a
Goggles, your entire field of vision is filled with anpassive way. You don't have to actively participate in
even light. It's a device that helps you enter into athe process of listening. It enters your mind
meditative state where you can rid your mind ofirrespective and works its magic. Music can calm the
worries and also rid the mind of the surface noise orsenses for some; soothing music has a tranquil
chatter of unnecessary thoughts.effect. You can also use any music of your choice to
 help clear the mind, free you from your tensions, and
Muscle relaxation through breathing techniques: It's aunwind completely.
method of alternately tensing and relaxing all musclesMusic! Music! Music! I used korn slipknop paparaoch
in the body while following a set-breathing pattern.and more... that's my mental preparation, Iii to clear
You hold in your breath and then relax the muscleseverything from my head. - a martial artist
while exhaling, You relax each muscle and gradually 
relax the whole body, This method has a calmingHumor therapy: "Laughter is the best medicine."
effect on the senses, too, since the person getsWe've all heard that. Humor is one of the best ways
completely engrossed and does not think of anyto lift the spirits and take your mind off tensions. It is
worrying thoughts. In meditative or yoga methods,a scientifically proven way to effectively reduce
breath control is targeted at increasing blood flowstress. According to the experts, laughter has the
and circulation. In this technique, you clear the mindpower to relax tense muscles, lower, blood pressure,
while actually relaxing the muscles.and transform your mood.
 You have to find your own laughter triggers, but
Tai Chi training: Tai Chi is a martial arts meditationgiven below are some suggestions:
technique that teaches you to relax the muscles,- Watch a funny movie
loosen the joints, and clear the mind. Tai Chi relaxes- Watch a sitcom on television
the whole body and calms the mind. Tai Chi is part of- Read a joke book
the formidable martial art system called Tai Chi- Share a joke - shared laughter is even better than
Ch'uan and is considered enormously beneficial forlaughing on your own, in lifting spirits
good health. Tai Chi is a series of gentle physical- Watch a TV talk show like Jay Leno
movements combined with breathing techniques that- Attend a stand-up comedian's performance
facilitate the experience of the meditative state. ItThe positive emotions brought on by laughter can
will help you to:create neurochemical changes in the brain reduce the
- be calmeffects of stress or anxiety. Humor lightens your
- become rejuvenatedmood and gives you a welcome break away from
- reduce your stressanxiety.
- give you a sense of well-being