33. Cherish yourself

Surveys show that we know exactly what we ought to do in order to relax. We just can’t be bothered.

For the sake of research (and because a newspaper was paying me), I had every kind of relaxation therapy administered while hooked up to a heart rate monitor. Flotation and reflexology lowered my heart rate most.

Flotation

Floating naked in pitch darkness and utter silence for an hour at a time in heavily salted water isn’t everyone’s cup of herbal. Some flotation tanks now allow you to listen to music or have a small light burning throughout but I urge you at least to try the hardcore version unless you are claustrophobic. Sensory deprivation is the closest you can get to experiencing the security and comfort of the womb. After a while you become disorientated and that’s when the magic happens. I know people who have had almost mystical experiences. Others have had the brightest ideas of their lives while floating. I’ve not had such an epiphany but I have felt relaxed and energised for days afterwards. A monthly or even better weekly float can really help.