Day 14: Relax:
It can be very difficult to shift from a state of anxiety or stress into a state of relaxation, but with deliberate, conscious effort, it can be done. Β It can be easier to relax when we start having a regular relaxation practice each day.
List all the safe behaviors that help you relax, e.g. taking a bubble bath, listening to your favorite music and getting a massage, etc.
Every day, choose one behavior to help you relax and explore how that made you feel afterwards.
The next time you feel stressed or anxious, write down what the trigger was, and then practice your relationship exercises. Β Allow relaxation exercises to become a part of your daily life.
By calming down your nervous system, we send signals, or messages, to the brain that we are safe. Β These messages are eventually received, and the anxiety and panic fades away.
Just slowing down our breathing sends a message. Β Tensing and release our muscles sends a message. Β The physiological benefits we receive when we are very calm during a guided meditation send messages.
Source(s):
Stop Sabotaging: A 31 Day DBT Challenge to Change Your Life
by Debbie Corso