Have you ever heard of dynamic relaxation?

When we think of relaxation, we mostly think of something passive, not moving. However, half of a sophrology session is devoted to exercises that allow you to relax while on the move! How does it work?

Relax!

You probably have already heard it! But when we are stressed, how do we do it? It’s simple ! By contracting! Yes, indeed, it may sound contradictory, but that’s exactly what you have to do. By contracting the muscles, the feeling of relaxation that follows is much more intense.

Body and mind cannot be separated

It is simply not possible to be physically tense and mentally Zen or vice versa. For relaxation, it is therefore the same process: physical relaxation brings mental relaxation and vice versa. By contracting these muscles voluntarily for a few seconds (through the different movements of the dynamic relaxation exercises ) you will then release them. And then you will be able to feel what relaxation is!
Dynamic relaxation is therefore a set of techniques which makes it possible to reach a state of physical and mental relaxation.

Beware of unnecessary tension!

By practicing dynamic relaxation in our daily life, we realize that we are rarely completely relaxed, even on vacation by the sea! It is not uncommon that, without realizing it, we are constantly clenching our jaws, shrugging our shoulders, frowning … And all this leads to great fatigue at the end of the day. After all, you don’t have to have your shoulders in your ears to drive your car or clench your jaws to lift a pen.

With the practice of dynamic relaxation you will become aware of these unnecessary tensions and will naturally relax your muscles (because you will know how to do it). And you will see the positive effects on your mind!

You want to try ?

Get rid of stress with “shoulder pumping”!

This exercise helps you relieve muscle tension in the trapezius (upper back region), an area often blocked by stress.

Take a deep breath in through your nose and block your breathing for the duration of the movement.

Go up and down the shoulders quickly, several times in a row, clenching your fists as if you were pumping.

Exhale deeply while relaxing and opening your hands.

Only the shoulders are in motion. The arms and hands will simply follow.

When you close your eyes you will feel muscle or joint release at the shoulders and the top of the spine. Repeat it three times, taking the time to recover each time.

What about you, have you ever tried dynamic relaxation? Leave us your comment here or on our Facebook page!