Massage

Massage is a great tension reliever if you happen to have a willing and competent pair of hands handy; if not, a tennis ball works wonders. Just rolling one around under a bare foot gets to all those reflexology pressure points at once and makes your feet feel wonderful. This technique can be applied to any other usually soft and yielding part of the body holding tension.

Incense

Incense is a marvellous accompaniment to relaxation techniques like hot baths and deep breathing. Jasmine, vanilla or sandalwood all do the trick, and lavender is especially good for relaxation. Alternatively, use potpourri or aromatherapy oils in an oil burner. Hanging dried flowers or herbs near lights or heating vents also creates a gentle waft of sweet perfume in the air.

Music

Find the right relaxing music for you. Dim the lights and pour yourself a drink. Sit or lie down on the most comfortable piece of furniture your room has to offer. Turn up the sounds and absorb the music through your body, not just your ears. You needn't listen to music only at home. Listen to music in the car on your way back from work to wind you down for the day. Take the back roads, open the window, and crank up the music. And make sure you sing along.

Traditional Relaxation Techniques are Not for Everyone

Most relaxation techniques have something to do with 'letting go' or 'forgetting our reality' even for a while, but traditional relaxation techniques are not for everyone. For some sitting in a bath with candles just makes them squirmy and impatient, instead of concentrating on their inner being, they're sorting out a list of things to do for the day. For these people, the answer is movement. While not traditionally associated with relaxation, any period of focused activity can be very restorative and relaxing. The key message here is do whatever works for you.

You can just as easily relax building a bonfire as you can in front of the television. In both instances the mind is in neutral and free to amble its way along any path it chooses. Some of your best thinking time can be when you're doing something mindless. Digging holes, clearing drains, cleaning the car, chopping wood... they don't require much thinking, so the brain is free to roam which is very relaxing.

Cleaning

If there isn't a tree that needs chopping then there's always that other ever-present physical activity: cleaning the house. For some, cleaning causes nothing but stress, but for others it's the perfect way to chill out. By clearing away the junk from your home, you can clear away the junk from your mind. Also taking time away from a thing that seems so amazingly urgent and doing day-to-day activities, like dishes, helps you to realise that nothing is important enough to stress out over.

Exercise

All physical activity relieves stress and is a particularly good technique if you're not the sort of person to sit around. Running, kick-boxing, cycling, walking, dancing like a crazy person with the curtains closed and the music turned up are all great ways to relax.

Soothing Activities

Hobbies are a fabulous way to take you away from the hectic pace of your job and depending on your favoured pastime it can counteract the sedentary nature of your working lifestyle. Absorb yourself in your favourite hobby or pastime and you'll soon find yourself unwinding and relaxing.

Phone Friends

Ring up one of your friends and have a good, long conversation about all kinds of things, from what's on telly to kids to men/women to food to... pretty much everything. It helps you put your worries in perspective and its nice to catch up with people.