While most of this blog has focused on mediation, and techniques that are a direct offshoot of meditation, I understand meditation is not for everyone. I could go on and on about how much meditation has done for me, and how much I like it, but for some it would not change anything. There are also people who tried mediation, done everything right, and still just do not like it. For many, even if meditation is not working, they are left looking for ways to relax. They may turn to their phones or to Netflix, but the truth is these are not relaxing practices no matter how hard you try to turn them into one.

Lucky for all of you “anti-meditators” there are ways to relax that do not include direct mediation or technology. While these techniques do have a meditation basis, they are more alternative versions. The first technique is the “happy” or “calming” place technique. Everyone has that one place that calms them down and gives them piece of mind. In a moment of stress, pause, and think of this place. Do not just think of it in passing, imagine every little detail. Go through each of your senses and imagine what you would experience with each one in this relaxing place. What would you see, hear, feel, taste, and touch? Go through each sense and describe it. You will find that with very little effort you can transport yourself to this place. Once you finish with each sense and really experience the place and the relaxation you associate with it, you will feel much better. The sense of calm you associate with the specific happy place will transfer onto that moment and you will feel a sense of calm wash over you.

Another relaxation technique for someone who may be more body-minded and not have the patience for sitting still during mediation is progressive muscle relaxation. The idea is to intentionally tense each muscle, and then to release the tension. You should start in your feet by tensing the muscles in your toes by curling them. Notice how your foot feels when it is tense and hold this tension for five seconds. Now let them relax and notice how it feels to relax. Continue this progression all the way up your legs, muscle by muscle, and then through your body up to your head. When you finish this practice, your whole body should feel a general sense of relaxation and a release of stress. While it is understandable meditation is not for everyone, there are other less mediation focused ways of relaxing that can be both useful and helpful in times of stress.