by Samuel W. Connelly

Created on: March 03, 2008

When it comes to relaxation, many of us envision ourselves lying in a hammock on the beach, being rocked by the ocean's breeze, with an ice tea in hand. There's nothing wrong with this, yet there is many other ways to experience deep relaxation, whether you have some money to invest into yourself or none at all.

After much research, I've decided to put my list of relaxation techniques into five categories; Body and Spirit, Leisure Activities, Personal Pampering, Vacation/ Adventure, Other Interesting Techniques.

Body and Spirit
Meditation is at the top of the list of relaxation techniques. It reaches further back in history than any other method. Meditation is practiced by all religions and cultures and in many different forms from counting beads, saying prayers, to focused breathing, reciting prayers, and counting sheep.

Yoga is another very popular form of relaxation and meditation which, like Tai Chi, implements positions (asanas) that stretch you out, use controlled breathing, and it's believed to lead to understanding, and enlightenment.

Tai Chi is described as meditation in motion'. It's a ballet-like exercise. It was first mentioned as far back as 122 BC. It has 120 different postures that are all performed in a specific order. It's believed that the movements help give direction to the Chi (life energy) through the body creating a more free-flowing energy between the body and nature.

Fitness Programs, like getting a membership at a local gym to exercise. Joining a fitness class or weight training team is another way that Americans and Europeans are relaxing away from home and work.

Leisure Activities
Sports like dancing, kite flying, archery, drag racing, rock climbing, etc. seem to do just the opposite of offering relaxation, but relaxation to many people is not as much doing nothing, as it is doing something other than what's making their lives stressful.

In house activities like watching movies, reading a book, lighting candles, bathing in oils, are all great ways to find relaxation in the comfort of your own home.

The Arts Painting, Creative writing, pottery, metal working.

Fellowship Coffee shops, dates, outing with friends are great ways to find relaxation. Just getting together with other people, away from work is one of the best ways to find relaxation and revitalization.

Personal Pampering
Day Spas are a wonderful way to find deep relaxation while indulging in a variety of body rejuvenating experiences, like massage, skin theory, acupuncture, facials,

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