When you learn techniques that help you relax, you gain valuable tools to help you whenever stress mounts. Below are some ways you can gain better control over your mental processes—especially those that increase stress. The idea is that when you relax your mind, your body will soon follow.
Meditation
Meditation was seen in religion for thousands of years and is often associated with Hinduism and Buddhism. However, meditation can be practiced without following any religion. Western physicians have begun to recognize the health benefits of meditation and emphasize its positive impact on the body.
Today, millions of Americans practice meditation regularly. Research suggests that mental relaxation can affect the brain to help reduce stress. In meditation, you sit quietly, and actively concentrate on your breathing, a word, or an image, and train yourself to focus fully on the present moment.
If you're interested in meditation, contact your local hospital about classes. Check bookstores, libraries, or the Internet for more information.
Guided imagery and relaxation tapes
Everyone appreciates the benefits of a good vacation. The concept behind guided imagery is to allow you to take a short "vacation" no matter where you are. Working either with a trained instructor or tapes that are available from bookstores and libraries, you can learn how to imagine yourself in a peaceful setting. The idea is to make the experience feel as real as possible, using all of your senses and the power of your imagination. In this state, you try to recapture the feelings of calm associated with the peaceful scene you've selected as your "destination."
Some instructors take people who have psoriasis a step further and encourage them to visualize their condition healing and not returning.
