For many people, work is a stressful environment. Even worse, sometimes the anxiety and stress of work follows you home and saturates your thoughts in the evenings and on the weekends. One of the most important part of any stress reducing plan is to find a way to "shut off" thoughts of work after the day is done. Try this short exercise Dr. Sarah Brewer suggests in her book, "The Beginner's Guide To Relaxation". This exercise can be performed sitting on the floor, or even in your office chair at the end of the work day.

The Inner Smile

This is a Chinese technique to help "shut off" stressful thoughts.

After work, find a comfortable spot to sit, where you can feel relaxed. Allow your body to sink into a relaxed state. Breathe deeply into your abdomen in a slow relaxed rhythm. Think of an amusing part of your day, or anecdote you find amusing. Allow yourself to smile. Feel the smile spread, and your face glow. Let the glow spread throughout your body. Your entire being is shining with the sensation of that smile. Give in to the feeling of relaxation and calm, feel it flood your senses.

Allow yourself to experience this feeling for as long as possible. You've left the stress and worry of work behind. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Mark Altman is the webmaster of http://www.soundsleeping.com relaxing music specializing in sleep advice and free relaxing music. Music that is ideal for yoga, meditation, or tai-chi.

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