A simple way to relax in ten minutes...this easy process can be used at any time of the day. It is particularly effective when going to bed if you suffer from insomnia, or when you first arrive home from work after a particularly stressful day. As with any relaxation techniques, the more you practice the easier it will become.

Some people find it easy to relax, others find it very difficult. This article is aimed at those who find it difficult. This process is excellent to use if you are having trouble falling asleep at night or just find it hard to switch off from the stresses of life!

Sit yourself down somewhere comfortable and relaxed where you are unlikely to be disturbed for a few minutes.

Step 1. Take a deep breath and hold it for a couple of seconds, then release it as slowly and steadily as you can. Then repeat this just one more time and as you let out the breath very gently allow your eyes to close.

Step 2. And now simply concentrate on your eyelids and let them become so relaxed they feel nice and heavy. Allow them to relax as fully as they can. Imagine them becoming heavier and heavier over your eyes, picture them becoming relaxed. The eyelids have some of the smallest muscles in the human body and are the easiest to relax.

Step 3. After a couple of minutes picture, and feel, the relaxation in your eyelids spreading down your entire body from the top of your head to the tips of your toes in a flowing wave of relaxation and comfort. Then feel that relaxation double.

Step 4. Now, once again concentrating on your breathing, on each outward breath say inwardly to yourself the word 'relax' without moving your throat or tongue, your lips perfectly still, your breathing pattern unaltered. On every outward breath just think to yourself 'relax' and feel the stress and tension leaving your body.

Step 5. As you continue to breath normally, thinking 'relax' on each outward breath picture your body slowly relaxing one section at a time. Start at the head and face, move down through the neck and shoulders and into the arms, hands and fingers. Let all the tension flow away from your body. Then move on to the back and spine, the chest, stomach, waist and hips. Finally feel the relaxation flow through your legs and on into your feet and toes. Each step of the way let your body relax deeper and continue to think 'relax' on each outward breath.

Step 6. When you feel fully relaxed enjoy the sensation for as long as you like, then when you are ready slowly open your eyes, take a short while to stretch and revive yourself and then move on with the rest of your day, feeling relaxed and energised!