Last issue, we finished sharing the six healthy ways of relaxation recommended by the Psychological Services Group (PSG). Many readers have sent us their own ways of relaxation, and they will be posted in this and coming issues. Once again, the PSG sends our thanks to all participants and those supporting the PSYNET column.

Officers' Suggestions

1. Dining with family members after work: Many people like watching TV when eating. I think it is even better to use the time listening to relaxing music and be with family members. Recommended music: Mozart with the menu, Baroque for the sleeping beauties.
2. During the holidays, staying at home, listening to music and organising some old photos can rest your body.
3. Going fishing with some good friends is a fantastic holiday activity. As we look at the big blue sky, we can forget our worries and breathe in fresh air with the scent of the sea. Our perseverance can also be trained.

Psychologist's Remark

Quiet activities like reading and listening to music can be very effective relaxation methods, especially if it matches with your personality and interests.
Besides, gathering with supportive people is also a good way to release stress.

Officers' Suggestions

4. Jogging or playing sports like karate can relax your whole body.
5. Jogging and fitness training are good ways to relax. Yet we should consider our own physical condition before we do the workouts.
6. Competitive sports in teams with colleagues having similar interests not only enhances communication and co-operation, but can also improve fitness.
7. Hiking with family members and getting close to nature can make us feel refreshed and relieve us from our worries.
8. I learned skiing from my family members and was surprised that I gradually developed an interest in it, felt satisfied and also had more common conversational topics with my family.
9. Swimming is a simple but all-rounded sport. As our tensed muscles relax, we get some relief from our stressful lives.

Psychologist's Remark

The benefits of sport on our body is well-supported by research. It is also found that regular sports can relieve us from 50% of our stress. But we should be careful in choosing suitable sports, depending on our physical condition. Wins should not be the focus, otherwise we will not relax if we are too competitive.

Officers' Suggestions

10. We can get some relief from our stressful lives by going on trips. Temporary breaks from busy work and congested environments can restore us with new energy.

Psychologist's Remark

With good budgeting, travelling can be very relaxing. As we can leave the stresses for a period of time, our body and mind can take some rest. Nevertheless, relaxation is not one-off. It is insufficient to rely on long holidays or trips to relax, and let our stress accumulate in ordinary days. It is more effective to build up some regular and easily-accessible relaxation techniques that we can practice frequently.

<< Back to Index >>