What is Relaxation? Relaxation is a feeling of calm in body and mind. It is a learned technique that improves and becomes easier with practice. It involves the use of effective techniques to reduce tension in stressful situations, and everyday life.
Relaxation methods & techniques
There are various forms of relaxation available, including:
Breathing techniques
Jacobsen's progressive muscle relaxation
Guided imagery/visualisation
Autogenic training
'Quick techniques'
Different methods work for different people. Our therapists assist the patient in selecting the most suitable type of relaxation techniques for them.
Relaxation is a skill for life that requires regular practice for it to become effective. It can be very helpful for some patients to achieve a sense of control over their illness and to reduce anxiety in what is a very difficult time.
Learning relaxation techniques involves no drugs, no unpleasant side effects, no difficult postures or strenuous exercise and no 'brainwashing' or hypnosis.
What can relaxation achieve for patients? Relaxation has a range of both physical and psychological benefits for the user.
Physical benefits:
Reduced heart rate
Reduced blood pressure
Relieving pain and physical discomfort
Relieving nausea
Improved physical skills
Psychological benefits:
Improved sleep
Increased feelings of control of disease process
Improved concentration
Feeling more calm, happy and energetic
Increased self-esteem and confidence
Easing of relationships with others
Improved quality of life (Cooper, 1998)
Who can benefit?
Anyone experiencing stress and anxiety related to their condition,
or life in general
Carers looking after a patient
Those having difficulty coping with treatment
Relaxation tapes and CDs are available for purchase through The Cancer
Council Victoria (phone: 131120).
Relaxation sessions are held in the Radiotherapy building on the Heidelberg
Repatriation Hospital campus, 300 Waterdale Road Heidelberg, on Mondays
at 11 am and Wednesdays at 2pm.
The relaxation group is aimed at providing information and practical
tips to assist with managing stress and other cancer related issues
such as nausea.
Contact Occupational Therapist Andrew Smith on 0407308
253.