Stress is the curse of living in modern times with so much information and stimulation coming at us from all directions. Everyone suffers from stress at some point. And the stress we suffer takes a toll on us - body, mind, and soul.

Feeling stressed out, worn out by sleepless nights, or just simply having a miserable day, you need to relax. But how do we do that when we're in the midst of stress?

Watching television may be a form of relaxation for some, but is not a recommended method by experts. When we watch TV we are bombarded with commercials, ads, sounds, images, and a lot of negative news!

So how do we achieve relaxation? If there are thousands of ways we can get stressed, there are also many ways we can relax. 

One way to relax is to practice meditation. You can chant a soothing sound aloud or repeat a word in your head to help stop the whirling of stressful thoughts. Find a quiet place and either sit or lie down. Focus on your breathing or you can focus on the sensation of energy in your hands. Just 15 minutes can do you good!

Yoga is another relaxation method and you don't have to be flexible or athletic to get started. Many gentle poses can get your energy flowing and help release stress toxins in your body. And you can do yoga at home where no one is watching.

Breathing is one of the easiest methods to relax. When you're stressed there is a tendency to hold your breath or take shallow breaths. Simply focus on your breathing, take deeper breaths and after some time you can feel its effects. Several breathing techniques can help you reduce stress. 

Another easy way to achieve relaxation is exercise. Get your heart pumping and your sweat going by taking a brisk walk, riding your bike, playing basketball, rollerblading, jogging, or jumping rope. The endorphins produced by exercising help to relax muscles, ease panic, and reduce anxiety. 

Taking a hot shower or bath before bed can help you relax so you can get a better night's sleep. Soaking in the tub for 30 minutes any time of day provides relaxation both physically and mentally. Add aromatherapy and a candle to your experience to delight all your senses.

These techniques are just some of the ways you can achieve relaxation. Being relaxed helps our bodies and minds stay healthy. When you're relaxed, you're better prepared to take on life's challenges.

Choose a technique that you believe you can do regularly.

To increase your relaxation during meditation try adding a spritz or two of Room and Body Mist right before your session. I recommend the Lavender Vanilla. Just spritz some around the space you intend to have your meditation session and inhale the soothing scent.