THE ART OF RELAXATION: THE JESA GUIDE

It is unfortunate that most people live their lives without ever experiencing their physical state in full relaxation mode. It’s easy to tell someone to relax but what does that truly entail? Is there a rule, better yet a guide on the actual steps to take to achieve it? Well, don’t fret. I am here to help. The JESA guide helps you practise it anywhere, anytime. All you need is an intentional mind. So next time someone tells you or you think of telling someone to relax, or maybe you’re experiencing feelings of stress, tension or anxiety, here’s an actual guide that may help keep calm and reduce the muscle tension on your body.

The first important step is to know how to control your breathing. Intentionally focus all your attention to your breathing movements. It may help if you place one hand on your chest, the other on your stomach. Take slow regular breaths (through your nose if you can), breathe out slowly through pursed lips. Do this continually until there’s more movement on the hand on your stomach than the one on your chest. Using your hands is not necessary if you’ve mastered how to control your breathing, however, I especially prefer it cause it’s a way of embracing yourself, grounding yourself. I got me kind of situation. A psychological feeling that unconsciously does wonders.

While your breathing movements are in control, the next step is the checklist that inspired the name JESA:

Jaw

Ensure you’re not grinding your teeth. Feel your upper jaw detach from your lower jaw. Purse your lips slightly, exhale gently through them. Finally ensure your tongue is not resting at the roof of your mouth but at the bottom.

Eyes

Consciously ensure your eye movements are still. Whether you’re staring into something specific or closing your eyes. Minimal eye movement is key.

Shoulders

Take the weight of your shoulders. Literally. Drop your shoulders.

Ass

Yep! My favorite one. Quit squeezing your ass. Relax your ass muscles. As you exhale, feel yourself unclench. Most of us do it unintentionally and are not aware we’re going through life with a tight ass. I don’t mean to be funny. (maybe I do, lol) But it doesn’t make it any less true.

Conclusion

As I was coming up with this guide, one of the important factors I kept in mind was to keep it simple, easy to understand and straight to the point for anyone who reads it. I know how it feels to need a quick fix. There’s a reason why most people opt for a fast way to erase their problems. Have a headache? Take a pill, go on with the rest of your day. We rarely take time to be present and figure out if the symptom was as a result of a deeper issue other than just the physical manifestation of it. In all areas of your life, I urge you to stop relying on temporary fixes. Listen to your body. It’s speaking to you, trying to guide you. Don’t be quick to brush it off as ‘just another day at the office’  feeling. Restlessness, irritation, pain, tension, doesn’t have to be your norm. There is another version of you that can find peace within irregardless of the circumstances around you. The best way to do that is to align your mind with your body. Control your breathing, ensure the JESA muscles are relaxed, focus on the moment. Acquaint yourself with you. All of you. Awareness is power. I believe in you. You got this!