Relaxation exercises
Relaxation exercises are a good way of coping with stress or anxiety. Try these exercises and see which suit you. Then you can use the exercise regularly to help you unwind and calm down.
Audio files
Click on the audio-files below to listen on-line or to down-load them.
In some systems you may have to right click to download or save the files. In Internet Explorer click on ‘Save Target As’ to save the file.
Part 1 – Progressive Muscular Relaxation (29:37 minutes)
Part 2 – Visualisation (19:09 minutes)
Part 3 – Letting go (14:01minutes)
The Counselling Service would like to acknowledge the Counselling Service of University of Limerick, who provided these files.
Some tips
- It is best to relax in a quiet environment, away from bright lights and distractions such as the telephone
- Find a comfortable position, lying down or in a soft armchair
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing
- Feel free to change position to get more comfortable
- It usually helps to close your eyes
- Let your mind drift – don't fight your thoughts or the tapes
- Let your breathing become slow and deep
- Stop if you feel very uneasy
- Don't use these tapes whilst driving
Breathing exercise
Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Place one hand on your chest and one on your stomach. As you breathe in through your nose allow your stomach to swell. This means that you are using the diaphragm to breathe in and allowing air right down into your lungs. Try to keep the movement in your upper chest to a minimum and keep the movement gentle. Slowly and evenly breathe out through your nose. Repeat and get a rhythm going. You are aiming to take 8-12 breaths a minute - breathing in and breathing out again counts as one breath.
Practise this exercise frequently, preferably 1-3 times a day, until you can easily switch to this deep regular breathing whenever you want to. Now you can also use this breathing pattern when you feel anxious, helping you reduce the tension. It is best to learn the technique when you feel less stressed before you use it to calm yourself when you are anxious.
Podcasts
The Mental Health Foundation produce a series of downloadable podcasts to help you reduce stress. The podcasts include brief relaxation and meditation exercises, exercises to help you feel and think more positively, and information and tips on beating stress.
Meditative relaxation
Meditation Room provide audio files and texts for relaxing mediations.
On-line leaflets
Further tips on relaxation, anxiety management and stress-reducing techniques can be found in our on-line leaflets.
Managing stress
Overcoming presentation anxiety: a guide for students
Managing exam anxiety and panic: a guide for students