Self-Evaluation: Are You Relaxed?
Ask yourself these questions frequently to evaluate yourself.
1. Do you feel guilty when you take time to relax?
2. Do you find it difficult to unwind?
3. In the course of the day, do you often experience:
- Tightening of the stomach muscles?
- Rapid heartbeat?
- Shortness of breath?
- Trembling hands or fingers?
- Tense or tight muscles, particularly in the neck and shoulders?
4. During your day, can you easily “turn off” the pressures and just "let go"?
5. Have you been able to implement relaxation exercises into your daily routine?
6. Do you find that you have more energy after relaxing regularly?
7. Do you find that you stay in control better when you are under stress?
8. Can you recognize other breathing symptoms more easily?
Your Relaxation Practice
The art of relaxation needs to be practiced three to five times a week. Set aside a time to practice your relaxation techniques, even if it is only 5 minutes. The rewards--more energy, less shortness of breath and fatigue, and increased sense of well-being--are worth it!
Self-Monitoring Chart for Your Relaxation Practice
Date Time Comments
You may wish to comment on the quality of your relaxation, things that interfered with it, things that could have made it better, things that helped make it work for you.
Remember: practice… practice… practice…
