Relaxation Training
Research statistics point out that one in 16 young Australians are effected by depression and one in 6 young Australians suffer at least one of the several disorders collectively classified as Generalised Anxiety Disorders (GAD). Well aware of these statistics and concerned about the mental health of Australians, Federal and State Governments in Australia are partially or fully funding treatments for mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders through Public, Private and Public and Private partnerships.
What is Relaxation Training?
Relaxation training is one such widely accepted treatment for depression and stress.
People often have tense or tight muscles, when they feel stressed or anxious. Research shows that if we relax our muscles consciously, it can actually reduce the stress and anxiety we experience.
Armed with this knowledge a relaxation technique called progressive muscular relaxation was developed. It is successful in providing relief and developing coping skills for depression as well as anxiety related disorders.
Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing different groups of muscles through the body.
When do the effects show?
Relaxation training usually works best when we practice regularly for at least eight weeks; we also need to factor that relaxation training does take time towards body familiarization; just like exercising.
Experts recommend to adopt it as a hobby for peace of mind and mental balance. By nature, relaxation is a process which decreases the effects of stress on mind and body; and a recommended relaxation approach will guide one towards taking more out of it, which can support overcoming various stress, anxiety and depression related health problems. Relaxation Training also complements treatment of diseases such as cancer by reducing pain of the patient.
Whether one’s stress symptoms have been ongoing or the onset is recent, one can benefit from relaxation techniques.
Benefits of Relaxation Training
Relaxation training can help reduce stress symptoms significantly by slowing down heart rate, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress hormones, increasing flow of blood to muscles, reduction tension in muscles, reduce chronic pain, improve concentration, improve mood, reduce fatigue, anger and frustration and boost confidence to handle problems.
For higher effectiveness progressive muscular relaxation can be used concomitantly with positive coping methods, such as thinking positively, finding humour, problem-solving, managing time, exercising, getting enough sleep, and reaching out to supportive family and friends etc.
At Potentialz Unlimited clients have been experiencing relief from their symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety disorders when relaxation training is used along with other evidence-based therapies to treat mental health disorders.