Relaxation for Cold & Flu season

One way to lower your chances of coming down with a cold or the flu this season is to practice deep relaxation on a daily basis. Often relaxing deeply will give you an energy boost because the energy your muscles were using to stay tense is now directed back into the body system and available for you to repair damage, neutralize a "bug", or simply to recharge.

The most simple at home technique for deep relaxation is to sit comfortably and breath slowly. Inhale for a count of four, pause briefly, and then exhale for a count of 8. Repeat for 5 or 10 minutes until you feel peaceful and calm. You can do this simple breathing exercise anytime and anyplace - while sitting in traffic, in a meeting, waiting in line, while on hold on the phone, when you first wake up, in bed to help you fall asleep, etc...

Another way to release tension is to check in with your body after you've done some of the breathing above. As you notice any areas of tension, let them relax. If this is difficult, try contracting the tense areas first and then releasing the muscles. Or imagine breathing into the area and letting go of tension on your exhale. Or if sitting still doesn't appeal to you, try some gentle twisting or rotating of your torso and limbs to loosen up stiff areas. Stretching in this way can warm up muscles and get your energy flowing well again.

Any of these techniques, when practiced regularly, can help reduce stress and prevent that run down feeling that indicates that you're more susceptible to catching that cold or flu going around.