Stress can occur from any kind of change in your life. It doesn't make any differences if the change is good, like graduating from college, or bad, like ending a relationship. Sometimes, stress can be very useful because it encourages us to learn new and effective ways of dealing with change. It is important to find healthy ways of coping with stress, because too much stress can be harmful to the body and the mind.

Mental exercise is a very healthy way to cope with stress. Two common forms of mental exercise include meditative relaxation and guided imagery.

To practice meditative relaxation, find a quiet place so that you don't become distracted. Seat yourself comfortably on a floor, cushion, or couch. With your eyes closed, let your muscles relax. Begin to focus on your breathing. Take deep, steady, slow breaths. Focus on your breathing from the lower part of your chest, not the upper part. With each breath, silently or quietly repeat a sound, such as "one", "aum", or "mmm". Sound repetitions are done to keep thoughts from intruding and help keep muscles relaxed.

Guided imagery has some similarities to meditative relaxation. Find a comfortable position and, with your eyes closed, let your muscles relax and take deep, steady, slow breaths. Instead of repeating a sound, though, conjure up a peaceful, pleasurable image, such as water rhythmically lapping against the seashore, or a breeze rippling through pine trees.

Usually, people practice meditative relaxation or guided imagery for about 20 minutes at a time. These techniques have been used to help people cope with a variety of stress-related problems, such as headaches, high blood pressure, trouble sleeping, jaw or general muscle tension, or feelings of anxiety.

There are many books to help you learn more about stress reduction. Look in your local library for other selections. If you would like to learn more about using mental exercises in coping with stress, contact your healthcare provider for a referral to a mental health clinic. Your local community college, community center, or church might very well offer group classes in meditative relaxation techniques. Being a part of a group is a very good way of learning these skills, and very relaxing!

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