The Power of Relaxation

Relaxation is more than just a luxury — it’s a vital key to our health and well-being. And I don’t mean putting our feet up while watching TV. I mean truly switching off from our overstimulated lives and the overthinking mind. Creating designated space to simply be, with no pressure to do. What is fascinating and hopeful that in this state, of presence and calm – not worrying about the past or fearing the future - that the body begins to heal, the mind softens, and a sense of balance returns. We activate natural processes that support everything from better sleep and digestion to reduced pain and clearer thinking. In this blog, I’ll explore how stress and relaxation affects the body, What science tells us about its benefits of relaxation, and how we can begin to access this state more often – even in the middle of a busy life.

Stress is more than just a feeling — it’s a physical, mental, and emotional response that affects every system in the body. I regularly see how stress intensifies the symptoms of chronic conditions such as fatigue, inflammation, digestive issues, poor circulation and chronic pain for each of my clients.

According to Dr Joe Dispenza, stress is not just something that happens to us. It’s something we can shift, moment by moment, by tuning into the wisdom of the body. When our body reacts as if it’s under actual physical threat, such as being caught up in negative thoughts or reliving past problems, this activates the stress response, also known as “fight or flight.” In this mode the body is flooded with adrenaline and cortisol. Heart rate increases, digestion slows, muscles tense, and the immune system is suppressed. While this state is helpful in emergencies, living in it daily, (which most of us are) wears us down and can worsen existing and chronic conditions.

The truth is, the body can’t tell the difference between a real threat and one that is imagined through repetitive negative thinking. The more we focus on problems, pain, or fear, the more we keep the stress response switched on — creating a loop where symptoms worsen and calm feels harder to find. But, — and here’s the key — relaxation and feel-good sensations are still there in our body. We just need to shift our focus to dial them up. The more we practice doing this, the easier it becomes to return to a calm, balanced state when life feels overwhelming. We can often look at healing and wellbeing coming from: diet, nutrition, movement, adequate sleep, social connections. But sometimes doing less has a profound effect — how often do we make relaxation a true priority? In our busy lives, we tend to do more and more, striving to tick off everything on the to-do list. But the truth is, the list will never end. There will always be something to do — because we’re living. The challenge is choosing to pause anyway and intentionally make space for the calm that restores us to do things we need to do.

In a relaxed state, the nervous system switches into rest and repair mode, also called the parasympathetic response. Heart rate and blood pressure lower, breathing slows, digestion resumes, and the body begins to produce calming neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This state supports tissue repair, immune function and hormonal balance. Brainwaves slow down into the alpha or even delta range, which are associated with deep relaxation and healing. Reflexology supports this shift to deep relaxation and may calm the mind, improve circulation, and stimulate nerve pathways. Inviting your body out of the stress response and into a state where it can truly restore.

Dr Dispenza’s research shows that when we choose to focus on emotions from relaxation, like gratitude, peace, or contentment, we begin to change the body’s chemistry and support healing. This is where true transformation can begin — not through pushing harder, but by accessing what is already within us.

A Simple Guided Practice to Shift from Stress to Calm

✨ Take a few minutes now to come out of your thinking mind and shift your focus to your inner body.

✨ Sit or lie somewhere comfortable.

✨ Close your eyes and take a few slow, deep breaths. As you exhale, imagine tension leaving your body.

✨ Now, scan your body slowly from head to toe. Notice any areas that feel good — maybe your hands feel soft or your breath moves easily, or you feel supported by the chair or bed beneath you.

✨ Let your focus rest there. Really feel that sensation of ease or openness. Now imagine it gently expanding, like a ripple or wave, moving through your body and softening tight or tense areas.

✨ If your mind wanders, gently return to your breath and the sensation of comfort and calm in your body. 

This practice helps train your mind and body to find calm — even when stress is present. And when you practice this often, over time, you’ll find it easier to return to this place within you.

When we understand the impact that stress has on our body — and how powerful the relaxed state can be — we begin to see relaxation as an essential part of our well-being, not something to earn but something to we need to choose. It’s a state we can consciously return to, again and again, through focus, breath, and awareness. Whether it’s taking a few quiet minutes each day, engaging in practices like reflexology, or simply noticing what feels good in your body, each moment of calm makes a difference. Healing doesn’t always require doing more — sometimes, it begins by gently doing less, and allowing the body space to restore itself.