Relaxation exercises are a kind and simple route to remembering that it is possible to change one’s own mood, even if just for a little while. As someone who has dealt with panic attacks and depression on and off since childhood, I’ve long envisioned my array of favorite relaxation techniques as a toolkit. I’m not an expert, but I did take that kindergarten lesson about sharing to heart, so I’d like to present a few options to you today.
To make my qualifications or lack thereof clear: I’m not a psychiatrist, psychologist, yoga teacher, or monk. I’m an author, comedian and actress, with an M.A. in Education from Teachers College at Columbia University, and a B.A. in Creative Writing from Warren Wilson College. I also speak about mental health awareness at colleges and companies. It’s incredibly rewarding, and I think I bring a lot of value to these organizations, but I’m always clear that mental health advocacy is not the same as the evidence-based work of clinical research and treatment.
When I was a high school teacher many years ago, I found that basic breathwork really helped some of my students to access their creativity with reduced stress and embarrassment. It made a lasting impression on me, and affects the way I work with one-on-one writing and editing clients to this day.
