There are countless methods for relaxing and eliminating stress.
The trick is for you to pick one and do it.
Relaxation is a paradox. The paradox is that if you try to do it, you can't.
Relaxation has to be “not done” rather than done.
Relaxation is the actual meaning of the phrase “Let go and let God.” This includes the states of mental and emotional relaxation, as well as physical relaxation.
Relaxation is also the prerequisite for meditation, creative imagination and creative revision. And, hypnosis and self-hypnosis are easier to experience from a relaxed state.
There are also many physical body benefits of relaxation, and sleep and dreams are more beneficial when you actually relax when you sleep. (It is actually possible to sleep, and hold onto stress...a self-defeating condition.
With so many benefits of relaxation, why don't modern folks eagerly embrace all types of relaxation practice?
Two answers:
One, it has been so long since some people have really relaxed that they have forgotten what it is like to be relaxed. They expect to be stressed, and they accept their level of stress as normal.
Two, there is pain associated with relaxation, at least at first.
This pain comes from the fact that as we relax, we become aware of the stress. Becoming aware of the stress means that we feel it. But, as we accept the pain, allow it, let the pain of stress be OK; the pain diminishes.
This is similar to the withdrawal from caffeine or nicotine, except the symptoms are stress and muscle tension instead of a headache.
At any rate, the withdrawal from stress is similar to peeling an onion, with layers of stress, one within another.
Other metaphors include: