Relaxing doesn't always come naturally. Do you ever go on vacation only to notice your mind is racing with worrisome thoughts? Or, do you push yourself into a stressful state so frequently that relaxation seems beyond your reach? Learning to relax is a skill that takes practice to hone. For some, it can be difficult to remember what it feels like to relax.
Learning to thwart off racing thoughts and stressful sensations takes a lot of hard work! I am constantly looking for new and engaging strategies for teaching my clients relaxation skills. I have come across two gadgets that have quickly become my go-to equipment for teaching my clients to relax. These gadgets provide you with real-time feedback regarding your state of relaxation. And, they'e pretty dang fun too! A word of warning- they both look ridiculous. But if you are looking to sharpen those relaxation skills (and don't mind looking a little foolish), these gadgets are for you!
Don't Lose Your Cool: Everything about this game is absurd, I know…but hear me out. Although this hilariously gaudy accessory looks like it is straight from the pages of a sci-fi novel, it's actually a heart monitor, measuring the frequency of your heart rate. As your heart rate increases, the meter rises. The challenge of this game is keeping your heart rate steady while your opponents attempt to make you laugh. In a session, I typically prompt my clients to think about something that might trigger stress, like giving a presentation in class.
This game can easily be adapted into a lesson in managing anxiety. Anxiety and stress typically make our heart rates rise. When we learn to relax our body, our mind relaxes too. This game helps to teach body awareness while having a little fun!
This game is typically less than $5 on Amazon so it's worth the investment.
https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Electronic-Adult-Party/dp/B0771S7HCJ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=don%27t+lose+your+cool&qid=1560656216&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Muse: This is basically the more adult and sophisticated version of Don't Lose Your Cool. Again, this looks like something from a sci-fi book (see below for a side-by-side comparison of me and the guy from Star Trek). Muse is a gadget that measures your sense of calm using EEG technology. While my version only monitors brain waves, the more updated versions also measure heart rate and breath…so cool!)
Muse connects with your phone via Bluetooth. Just download the app, pop in your earbuds and settle in! When your mind is calm and relaxed, you will hear birds. When your mind is busy, you will hear the sound of rain. After your meditation, your Muse app will provide you with all the details on your session, including the number of birds and length of time spent in a calm state. This allows you to track your progress over time. Don't let the weirdness of this gadget intimidate you! With some practice, you will learn to quickly settle your thoughts and mind when you encounter stressful situations.
This gadget is much pricier than Don't Lose Your Cool but it goes on sale often. If you are hesitant to invest, shoot me an email (kelli@bluehillcounseling) and I will gladly give you the scoop!
https://choosemuse.com/
These devices are certainly a fun way to pave that neural pathway to relaxation! But even if these gadgets aren't your jam, I encourage you to find the relaxation practice that works for you and make it a regular part of your life! Soon, you will be able to access that calmness in your body and brain in no time.
Happy chillaxing ya'll!
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