There are as many different ways to relax as there are people in the world. Some people like to relax by using meditation techniques. A meditation technique is when you use a process (such as deep breathing, yoga, martial arts) to relax.

Wikipedia states that “a relaxation technique is any method, process, procedure, or activity that helps a person to relax; to attain a state of increased calmness; or otherwise reduce levels of anxiety, stress, or anger.” There are many different relaxation/meditation techniques that can be used. Then within each technique or area there are different types. Some examples of relaxation/meditation techniques are:

• Yoga (there are different types of yoga; most involve emptying the mind)
• Breathing (which is also called breath watching)
• Walking (when your mind wanders you concentrate on the feelings in your body while you are walking)
• Mindfulness (concentrating on what is happening around you)
• Transcendental (consists of chanting a mantra repeatedly)
• Empty mind (concentrate on emptying the mind, letting everything go)
• Quiet mind (think peaceful thoughts, if any at all)
• Martial arts (often a combination of styles)

Many doctors recommend meditation as a way to control stress levels and blood pressure, as well as other things. Studies on meditation and stress relief have been done by doctors who recommend meditation, not just as a way to control stress, but as a way to help people discover better health.

Herbert Benson, M.D. of the Mind/Body Medical Institute, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director Emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute (BHI), studied and found that there are great health benefits from learning how to relax. The term coined for this process is called "eliciting the relaxation response." Some of the health benefits we gain from practicing relaxation techniques are:

• Less fatigue
• Lower blood pressure
• Slower heart rate
• Reduced muscle tension
• Better quality of sleep
• Breathe better
• Reduce levels of cortisol and other stress hormones in your bloodstream
• Immune system works better

There are times when you might try a meditation or relaxation technique that doesn't work well. When this happens, don't give up. It could just be that you just haven't found a technique that is a good fit for you, and something that you like to do. There are different types of techniques. Experiment with different ones, if possible. The health benefits are proven and significant.

Many people feel that prayer is a form of meditation. Others don't feel that prayer is a good fit for them at all.

Others feel that walking meditation is a great way to meditate. Some people say that all they can concentrate on is how much their bones hurt and, therefore, they don't want to do walking meditation at all.

It can help to keep and maintain positive thoughts about life, and what is happening, rather than negative thoughts about life. When your thoughts are tied up in negative patterns, more stress will seem to be happening, even when your stress level is not high.

Things like hugs, snuggles and pets, contact with another being, also can help people relax. Things like music, soothing cups of tea or other hot drinks may also help you relax.

One good place to learn about the different ways to relax and types of meditation is to go to the Free Meditation Technique Website. Here they describe different types of meditation, and provide many different samples of meditations that you can try.