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Relaxation forms an integral role in our daily lives as a balancing counterweight for the stresses of work and the hassles, strains and anxieties that are inevitable workplace ingredients. Given that relaxation is a global requirement, it comes as no surprise that the myriad of cultures around the world relax in a variety of diverse, fascinating and perhaps even slightly strange ways.

Relaxation by its very nature is flexible and often spontaneous; an action, conversation or activity which enables you to rest, laugh and enjoy yourself. As a professional journalist, I've had the privilege of travelling around the world and have had the opportunity to relax in a variety of countries and cultures.

Particularly in Eastern cultures, relaxation is often achieved through an introspective process of looking into oneself. Having tried this myself, I can vouch that although passingly peculiar, meditation is without doubt one of the most effective forms of relaxation. While the archetypal scene of meditation includes closed eyes and a cross legged posture, the term itself is a very broad title and covers a wide range of activities designed to relax both the body and the mind.

Often, people meditate for just a few minutes each day at their work desk, at home or lying in bed. Meditation itself involves a conscious relaxation of muscles, particularly those of breathing, as well as a mindful' attempt to empty one's mind. Of course, there are many types of meditation practised by dozens of different cultures. Tai-Chi, yoga, pilates and prayer are all forms of meditation involving relaxation of the body, the mind and, to hear some claim, a relaxation of the soul.

Even in western culture, the benefits of meditation are readily accepted and established. Meditation enables a good supply of oxygen throughout the blood and further allows the body to completely relax, something which can be likened to a form of conscious sleeping'. However, there are countless ways of relaxing other than meditation, and perhaps the most common of these involves physical sport and dynamic exercise.

Whilst meditation involves a conscious relaxation of muscles, sport conversely engages most if not all the muscles in the body. The effect, however, is nonetheless the same and it's amazing how relaxing a friendly game of tennis, golf or bowls can be. Ironically, after exercising, many people feel more loosened up', more relaxed and more rested despite undergoing physical activity. A wide range of sports are

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