Relieve Tension in the Body: 4 Simple Methods

You know the pain, when you wake up in the morning after sleeping in an awkward position for the last six hours; making your way to the bathroom is nothing short of torture. What about that tight constricted feeling in your muscles after an angry encounter? Or when you've been stressing over the bills that need paying?

There are numerous reasons why we experience tension in our bodies. Whatever the cause we all know how uncomfortable it is. If we allow ourselves to remain in the clutches of tension it will eventually lead to outright pain.

There are some things we can do to relieve the tension in our bodies and prevent it from becoming an agonizing situation. Below you'll find four incredibly easy ways to relieve tension in minutes.

1. Simple Stretches

Since tension is caused by the contraction and tightening of our muscles, it makes sense that relieving tension would require loosening the muscles. That is in fact what stretching does. It increases the length of our muscles, providing greater flexibility.

When you notice tension in your body try lying on your back and stretching your entire body out as far as you can. Stretch your arms in front of you, above your head, and your legs behind you as much as you can comfortably handle.

You can also target certain areas. If the neck is tense, loosely roll your head clockwise around the shoulders, and then do so counter clockwise.

Stretch downward like you are touching your toes to extend and relax the muscles in your back, shoulders, and legs. You don't have to actually touch your toes.

All of these stretches are really great ways to relieve tension in the body (for more information about the benefits of stretching see the link on the left listed under resources).

2. Heating Pad

Heat also works extremely well to relax our muscles. Just as cold stiffens, heat tends to soften. If you have an electric heating pad this will work perfectly. Electric heating pads allow you to choose the level of heat you're comfortable with and adjust it as needed. However, if you do not own an electric heating pad a heated damp wash cloth works too. Just be careful not to burn yourself.

You can make your own heating pad using a sock and some flax seed. Flax seed can be found at your local grocery store. Simply fill the sock, loosely, with the seed, leaving enough room to tie the open end into a knot. Once you're finished put it into the microwave and set the time for 60 to 90 seconds. As with the damp wash cloth, be cautious when removing the heating pad.

Apply the heating pad to the tense area for at least five minutes. You'll be able to feel the tension melt away.

3. Mini Massage

Of course the best way to relieve tension is to get a massage. But let's face it not everyone can afford one and your mate isn't always around. You can give yourself something called a mini massage. All this means is that you target the tense area and massage it. Just take your finger tips and press firmly where the tension is and knead in a circular motion, changing direction every so often. Do this until the tension subsides. This is a wonderful way to relax the muscles.

4. Full Body Tension Release

This technique involves the entire body but can also be used for specific areas as well. It's a really simple practice. What you do is, begin by tightening the areas that you feel the most tension and hold for a count of five, then release. This is also a great way to relax the body if you feel a lot of tension before bed.

To do the entire body, begin at the feet; tighten them as much as possible, count to five then release. After you've done the feet move up to the legs and repeat the same strategy. Continue with this exercise until you have done so with the entire body.

I have tried all of these techniques myself and every one of them works extremely well. I use different ones at different times, depending on where I am and how much I can do. I think the mini massage is the easiest because it can be done anywhere at any time.

If you experience tension on a regular basis, you'll definitely want to try these techniques.