Relieving Tension in Your Back

Deep breathing

Deep breathing is a simple way to reduce stress. You can do it almost any time you need to relax.

• Breathe in slowly through your nose. Let your lungs and stomach expand.

• Hold your breath for 2 to 3 seconds.

• Breathe out slowly through your mouth until your lungs feel empty. Repeat 3 to 4 times.

Guided imagery

This method helps you to visualize a calming environment. It uses all 5 senses to create a deeper sense of relaxation. Guided imagery can be done on your own. Or you can listen to someone talk you through it.

• Step 1. Sit or lie down in a comfortable space. Make sure there are no distractions.

• Step 2. Visualize a relaxing place. It could be a place you've been before. Or it may be a place you imagine.

• Step 3. Using your 5 senses, focus on what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel in this place.

Take slow, deep breaths during this exercise. Focus on how calm this relaxing place makes you feel.

Box breathing

This is a type of deep breathing exercise. As the name suggests, it helps to visualize a box with 4 equal sides as you do the exercise. Box breathing can be very helpful with relaxation.

It is done in 4 easy steps:

• Step 1. Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4.

• Step 2. Hold your breath for a count of 4.

• Step 3. Breathe out for a count of 4.

• Step 4. Hold your breath for a count of 4.

• Repeat.

Adjust the length of the steps as needed (for instance, 2 seconds instead of 4 seconds for each step).

Relieve tension

Muscle tension can create tender spots called trigger points. The tips below may help ease muscle tension.

• Press the trigger point if you can reach it. If not, lie on a soft tennis ball, or ask a friend to press the spot. Use steady pressure for 10 to 15 seconds. Breathe deeply. Repeat a few times.

• Massage trigger points with ice for 2 to 5 minutes. Press lightly at first. Slowly increase firmness.

Progressive muscle relaxation

This is a widely used relaxation method. It is sometimes called deep muscle relaxation. The aim is to become more aware of your body and learn to become physically and mentally relaxed. It also helps to reduce muscle tension caused by stress. Relaxing in this way can help you cope better with stress.

• Start by focusing on a certain group of muscles.

• First, actively relax these muscles.

• Then tense the muscles for a short while.

• Next, fully relax them again.

• Repeat these steps with other muscle groups until your whole body is relaxed.

Be careful not to tense to the point of physical pain. And be mindful to take slow, deep breaths throughout the exercise.