Relaxation exercises can be of great benefit. If you feel you are becoming too stressed or facing a stressful situation, then try some simple breathing techniques. If you are experiencing stress in general, the daily practice of Yoga or Tai Chi can reduce the negative consequences. Specific techniques will be discussed below in the treatment section.
Remember to take some time out for yourself when you find yourself under the circumstances, instead of on top of them.
Signs, symptoms & indicators of Calming / Stretching Exercise Need
Constant fatigue
A British study of 71 healthy volunteers aged 21 to 76 found that a daily 30 minute program of yogic stretching and breathing exercises resulted in an invigorating effect on mental and physical energy and mood.
Irritability
Many people who practice yoga say they experience a reduction of nervousness and irritability.
A 'foggy' mind
Mental health and physical energy are difficult to quantify, but everyone who participates in yoga over a period of time reports a positive effect on outlook and energy level. A British study of 71 healthy volunteers aged 21-76 found that a 30 minute program of yogic stretching and breathing exercises was simple to learn and resulted in a “markedly invigorating” effect on perceptions of both mental and physical energy and improved mood.
The study compared relaxation, visualization and yoga. It found that the yoga group had a significantly greater increase in perceptions of mental and physical energy and feelings of alertness and enthusiasm than the other groups. Relaxation was found to make people more sleepy and sluggish after a session, and visualization made them more sluggish and less content than those in the yoga group.
Tightness across shoulders
Tender posterior neck muscles
Having recent/having chronic neck stiffness
Having poor/having average posture
Risk factors for Calming / Stretching Exercise Need
Practicing yoga
Blood Type A
Peter D’Adamo, ND discusses his discoveries about the importance of caution regarding overly strenuous exercise for blood type ‘A’s in his book Eat Right 4 Your Type. Type ‘A’s seem to do better with tension reduction activities such as Tai Chi or Yoga.
Recommendations for Calming / Stretching Exercise Need
Key
| Strong or generally accepted link |
| Proven definite or direct link |
| Very strongly or absolutely counter-indicative |
| Highly recommended |