Nowadays many of us lead hectic and, at times, stressful lives. Whilst some of us get a buzz from living life in the fast lane, we would all benefit from being able to relax more easily.

The ability to do this is essential to our mental and physical well-being. And, whilst at one level we know this - it can sometimes seem a tall order especially when we think when we're already overloaded and running on empty.

So, how can we quickly and effectively recharge our depleted batteries? There are some very easy to learn and effective methods that you can use. This article outlines five. In future articles, I'll go into more detail about each. You don't need any special training to use them though many people find it helpful to have a coach, therapist or counsellor (or, as one of my clients described it recently, ' a help buddy') working alongside them. My advice would be to have a go and see how you get on. If you feel you'd benefit from extra support/advice, there's a wealth of it readily available out there.

So, how can you relax and recharge - (as the cocktail advertisement says) anytime, anyplace, anywhere?

Go into peripheral vision

Most of the time we use what's known as 'foveal' vision. These is when we focus in on a point in front of us and notice all the detail about whatever it is we're focusing on, be that our computer screen, a book, a person or even our breakfast bowl.

'Peripheral' vision, on the other hand, takes in the whole panorama. It sees not only what's directly in front of us, but also what's out to the sides, too. If you drive, you'll be familiar with this state - you're looking out at the road ahead, whilst also aware of movement (cars, pedestrians etc) to the sides. Peripheral vision uses different neural pathways in the brain and seems to activate the part of your nervous system that calms and slows you down, and allows your mind, and body and emotions to come back into balance.

Focus on your breathing

Close your eyes for a moment and focus on your breathing. You don't have to change your breathing but you may find it shifts all by itself. If your attention wanders, just refocus it gently on your breathing.

There are more specific breathing exercises that can help - and just shifting your focus and taking control of your breathing is a good place to start.

Develop a powerful resource anchor

An anchor is simply a stimulus that is linked to a physiological state. When the anchor is present (or, in NLP speak, 'fired') it triggers a response- the linked physiological state. Some anchors occur naturally through association (think about how a piece of slow, mournful music makes you feel, then imagine listening to a lively dance tune and notice the difference) or they can be built in, or 'programmed'.

So, think of a time when you felt really calm and relaxed and recreate that moment in your mind, now. As you do so, intensify the feeling, really feel what you felt, hear what you heard, see what you saw- and enjoy that feeling of deep peace, calm and relaxation. Now, when the feeling reaches its peak link it to a unique stimulus. People often use something like touching a specific knuckle, or clasping their forefinger and thumb together. Others just take themselves back in their mind's eye to the time or place they remember and find that this works very powerfully for them.

Experiment, and see what works for you.

Centre your attention

Where you put your attention in your body has a big effect on how you feel. It also impacts how strong you feel - mentally and physically.

So, focus your attention in your centre - a little below your navel and half way between your front and back. Relax your body and keep your knees unlocked. (if you're familiar with Tai Chi, you'll recognise this stance; if not, it's a good one to learn). Go into peripheral vision and just keep your focus centred and, as you do, notice how calm and 'centred' you feel.

Listen to a relaxation CD

OK - this may not quite fit the 'anytime, anyplace, anywhere' criteria - though you could perhaps play it on your MP3 player on the bus or train as part of your daily commute. Making it a regular part of your day for a few weeks will really help you develop your internal relaxation 'muscle' so that you'll find it easier to relax at will when you need to in future.

Finally - a few things to remember

Whatever method(s) you choose

• Be gentle on yourself - relaxation is something you 'allow' rather than 'make' happen. If you've got put of the habit of relaxing, allow yourself to relearn it gently in ways and at a pace that work for you.
• Practice makes perfect. And permanent. So, keep at it - it will become easier over time.
• There is no one right way or right time- experiment and enjoy discovering what works best for you.