Relaxing when dealing with stress and anxiety

Do you feel the need to relieve anxiety and restore a little calm? Meditation is a technique that has been tried and tested for centuries to help you relax and soothe your mind. Whether you want to quieten a restless mind or simply indulge in a well-deserved break, there are plenty of practices available to support you.

Discover our selection of techniques for calming your mind and learn how to incorporate these moments of relaxation into your daily routine to feel more serene with every passing day.

What is meditation ?

Meditation is a powerful practice for promoting relaxation, reducing stress and easing anxiety. Before deep-diving into the different techniques, it is useful to understand the origins and benefits of meditation itself.

Meditation, an age-old practice

Meditation is an age-old practice with roots in various spiritual traditions around the world, particularly in India, China and Japan. For centuries, it has been used to cultivate a sense of inner peace, mindfulness and greater self-understanding.

Far from being a contemporary fad, meditation has actually proved its effectiveness over the years in helping people to navigate the turmoil of daily life. Today, it is recognised both for its spiritual benefits and its positive impact on mental and physical health. Meditation techniques vary, but they all share a common goal: To return the mind to a state of calm and focus, away from the distractions and worries of daily life.

Relaxation, a powerful tool against stress and anxiety

The benefits of meditation are particularly effective in reducing stress and anxiety. By focusing on breathing, bodily sensations or the repetition of a given mantra, meditation helps to relax both body and mind, acting as a natural remedy for stress and tension.

Meditation acts directly on the nervous system by reducing the production of cortisol, the “stress hormone,” and by stimulating serotonin, known as the “happiness hormone.” This mechanism helps to release accumulated tension and restore a state of inner calm. If practised regularly, meditation helps to manage anxiety more effectively and reinforce a feeling of serenity throughout everyday life.

How do I start meditating ?

Meditation is not rocket science! To get off to a gentle start, you can use applications such as Headspace or Calm, or follow guided videos on YouTube. These tools are perfect for getting to grips with the basics and making meditation part of your daily routine.

However, if you want to go further and benefit from in-depth advice, it can be a good idea to contact experts. Specialised centres offer courses for all abilities, enabling you to deepen your practice with the help of professionals.

Lastly, for a more immersive experience, a meditation retreat at a specialist wellness hotel is ideal. These retreats help you to focus fully on relaxation while learning advanced techniques under the supervision of experts – all in a soothing, restorative setting.

Where can you practise guided meditation? Our selection of hotels where you can relax

Le Domaine Reine Margot Paris - Issy MGallery Collection*****

In the heart of a lush, green setting just outside Paris, Domaine Reine Margot Paris - Issy MGallery Collection***** is a place steeped in history that once belonged to Marguerite de Valois, better known as Reine Margot. This spa hotel, with interiors designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, harmoniously blends period features with modern luxury, complete with a park, vegetable garden, vast glass-roofed interior space, and an orchard.

The private spa at the Domaine de la Reine Margot - MGallery***** is an oasis of calm nestled in the historic gardens. Offering treatments developed by Anne Semonin, a brand renowned for its expertise in aromatherapy and the use of natural ingredients, the spa offers a deeply relaxing break far from the stress and anxiety of everyday life. As well as bespoke treatments, the hotel offers yoga classes to enhance your wellness experience. An indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym are also available to prolong the relaxation.

Cures Marines Hôtel & Spa Trouville MGallery Collection*****

Between Deauville and Trouville, the Cures Marines Hotel & Spa Trouville MGallery Collection***** , set in a century-old palace on the seafront, is the ideal place to unwind. Its bright, soothing atmosphere, designed by architect Jean-Philippe Nuel, will immerse you in an environment tailored to promoting relaxation, complete with direct access to the beach and the charming fishing village.

The 2,500m² wellness area is home to The Purist, a concept based on four pillars: nutrition, sleep, treatments, and movement. With skincare brands including as Cinq Mondes and Voya, and rituals inspired by global traditions, the hotel offers an immersive experience to rebalance body and mind.

Ibis Hyères Plage Thalassa**** hotel

Located on the Giens Peninsula near Hyères, the ibis Hyères Plage Thalassa*** offers a relaxing break with views over the island of Porquerolles. This welcoming hotel, found directly on the beach, is home to one of the Var department’s most popular thalassotherapy centres – perfect for a moment of well-being combining sun and sea.

In the tradition of Thalassa Sea & Spa establishments, you can tailor your stay with treatments adapted to your needs, whether serenity, radiance, detox or recovery. Take advantage of high-quality marine treatments and seaside walks to regain vitality and balance, in a setting designed to encourage to relaxation.

Sofitel Quiberon Thalassa sea & spa*****

The Sofitel Quiberon Thalassa Sea & Spa***** perched on the Quiberon peninsula, offers thalassotherapy in a natural setting facing the ocean, ideal for recharging your batteries. With its 400m² marine circuit and an outdoor jacuzzi offering breathtaking views of Belle-Île-en-Mer, this establishment combines relaxation and well-being. You can enjoy specific soothing and restorative treatments in a gentle, serene atmosphere.

The hotel also offers innovations such as aquatic osteopathy in a heated seawater pool and sessions on the AlterG®, a treadmill that reduces the impact on joints. Meanwhile, activities such as Nordic walking and beauty treatments with renowned brands such as Swiss Line and Olivier Claire enhance the experience. In a word, the Sofitel Quiberon offers the ideal setting for a total wellness break.

Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar Thalassa sea & spa*****

The Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar Thalassa Sea & Spa***** , with its breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean and direct access to the Miramar beach, is the ideal place to combine thalassotherapy and a tranquil headspace. With its spacious marine spa and welcoming atmosphere, this hotel invites you to unwind and feel good. The treatment programmes, devised by the experts at Thalassa Sea & Spa, are designed to meet the needs of modern life, helping to release accumulated tension and regain greater mental harmony.

As well as thalassotherapy treatments, the hotel offers moments of deep relaxation through meditation sessions, allowing you to release stress while enjoying the soothing setting overlooking the ocean. From the outdoor seawater pool to beauty treatments from renowned brands such as Biologique Recherche, along with menus tailored to your needs in the panoramic restaurant, every aspect of your stay is designed to promote complete and long-lasting relaxation.

Ibis Le Touquet Thalassa***

The ibis Thalassa Sea & Spa Le Touquet is ideally located facing the sea, on the beach of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, offering a spectacular panorama of the Opal Coast. The hotel offers a relaxing setting, with direct access to the beach and a thalassotherapy centre bathed in natural light. The wellness programmes are designed to recharge your batteries with marine treatments provided by Thalassa Sea & Spa, perfect for escaping the stresses of everyday life.

As well as thalassotherapy treatments, take advantage of the outdoor activities on offer in the region, such as walking, cycling and golfing, for a truly rejuvenating break. With marine treatments, cutting-edge equipment such as cryotherapy and relaxation sessions, every part of your stay is crafted to promote well-being in a soothing environment.

How to practise meditation to reduce anxiety

To promote relaxation, reduce stress and lower anxiety, it is important to know how to practise meditation effectively.

Create a dedicated meditation space

For meditation to become an effective habit against anxiety, it is essential to create an environment conducive to relaxation. A space devoted entirely to meditation, however modest, can make all the difference.

Choose a quiet place, away from distractions, where you feel comfortable. This could be a corner of your living room, a bedroom or even an outdoor space. Add a few elements that encourage relaxation, such as a comfortable rug, a cushion, a scented candle or a soothing plant. This space will become your refuge, a place where you can refocus and calm your mind with each session.

Choosing the right time to meditate

The time of day you choose to meditate can greatly influence the effectiveness of your practice. For many people, the morning is the ideal time, before the demands of the day take over your focus. Starting the day with a meditation session can help you to face the hours that follow with greater clarity and a calmer mind.

If the morning doesn’t suit you, you can also opt for a meditation at the end of the day, to help you relax after the stress and anxiety of the day. The most important thing is to find a time that suits you and when you are most receptive to relaxation, to achieve a long-lasting reduction in anxiety.

Steps for starting a meditation session

Starting a meditation session can seem daunting, but by following a few simple steps, you will quickly notice the benefits.

First, sit comfortably in your chosen space, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to anchor yourself within the present moment. Next, focus on your breathing or choose a focal point, such as a word or sound, to hold your attention.

If thoughts arise, observe them without judgement and then gently bring your attention back to your breathing or your focal point. This regular practice will help you to calm your mind and gradually reduce anxiety.

Make meditation part of your daily routine

For meditation to become an effective relaxation aid when dealing with stress and anxiety, it is important to make it part of your daily routine. Start with short sessions of five to ten minutes, then gradually increase the duration over time. Set yourself a regular time each day to meditate, whether in the morning, at lunchtime or at the end of the day.

Over time, meditation will become an unmissable meeting with yourself, a moment of calm where you can release accumulated tension. By making meditation part of your daily routine, you will lay the foundations for a calmer mind and improved anxiety management.

Different meditation techniques to calm the mind

To promote relaxation, reduce stress and ease anxiety, different meditation techniques can be adopted, each offering unique benefits to soothe the mind.

Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness meditation is one of the most accessible techniques for calming the mind. It involves concentrating fully on the present moment, paying attention to sensations, feelings, breathing and thoughts, without judging them.

This practice helps to cultivate an attitude of presence and serenity, promoting relaxation when faced with stress and anxiety in a more serene way. Over time, mindfulness enables you to understand your emotions better and manage them more effectively, making every moment of your day gentler.

Transcendental meditation

Transcendental meditation is a simple, natural technique based on the silent repetition of a personal mantra. This mantra – a word or phrase without any specific meaning – is chosen to help the mind detach itself from stressful thoughts and achieve a state of deep tranquillity. When practised regularly, Transcendental Meditation helps to reduce anxiety by inducing a state of deep relaxation, where the mind can rest and regenerate. It is a particularly effective method for those seeking a structured and calming meditation practice.

Guided meditation

Guided meditation is ideal for beginners or those who find it difficult to meditate on their own. In this practice, a voice accompanies you throughout the session, guiding you through stages of relaxation, visualisation and focus.

This method is particularly beneficial for calming a restless mind, as it provides a structured and reassuring framework. Guided meditations can focus on a variety of themes, such as reducing stress or improving sleep, making them highly versatile and tailored to your specific needs. This meditation technique is one of the most practical and easiest to adopt on a daily basis, and promotes relaxation when having to manage stress and anxiety.

Breath meditation

Breath meditation is a simple but powerful technique for quickly calming the mind. By focusing on the natural rhythm of the breath, this practice helps to refocus attention and reduce intrusive thoughts. Techniques such as deep breathing, square breathing and the 4-7-8 method are commonly used to induce a state of relaxation and tranquillity. By mastering your breathing, you can calm your nervous system and reduce anxiety in just a few minutes, making this method particularly useful in moments of acute stress.

Self-hypnosis

Self-hypnosis is a relaxation method that enables you to achieve a state of deep calm using techniques of suggestion. Unlike traditional meditation, where the focus is on the present moment, self-hypnosis guides you towards specific goals, such as reducing anxiety or boosting self-confidence. By focusing on positive affirmations or visualisations, you learn to influence your mind to promote relaxation and better manage your emotions. This is an accessible technique that can be practised entirely on your own, making it suited for those looking to take control of their mental well-being.

Other ways of meditating: well-being, exercise and travel

To promote relaxation, reduce stress and ease anxiety, there are various ways to meditate, whether through wellness, exercise or travel.

Yoga: combining body and mind to help anxiety sufferers relax

Yoga is an ancient practice that combines physical movement, breathing and meditation, creating a harmonious balance between body and mind. By combining gentle postures with controlled breathing, yoga releases physical and mental tension, helping to reduce anxiety.

Every yoga session becomes an opportunity to refocus, relax and calm a restless mind. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, yoga offers a space to reconnect with yourself while promoting deep and lasting relaxation.

Exercise as active meditation

For some people, physical activity can be a form of active meditation. Sports such as running, swimming or even walking in the countryside allow you to focus on the rhythm of your body, your movements and your breathing. This state of concentration helps to clear the mind of stressful thoughts and achieve a state of “flow,” in which you are fully immersed in the present activity.

Regularly practising a type of exercise you enjoy can provide a real escape and an effective way of promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety.

Enjoy a sporting experience at the Molitor Hotel & Spa Paris - MGallery Collection*****

The Molitor Hotel & Spa Paris - MGallery Collection***** is an iconic establishment in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, perfect for those looking to combine sport and relaxation in the face of everyday stress. Famous for its Art Deco architecture and iconic swimming pools, the hotel offers the ideal setting for a soothing workout, whether in its pools, at its gym or in its yoga classes.

The Spa by Clarins rounds off the experience with treatments designed to relax and revitalise both body and mind. At the Molitor, every moment is an invitation to recharge your batteries and soothe the anxieties of everyday life.

Travel: disconnect to reconnect better

Travelling is another way of meditating, offering you the opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with yourself. Whether it’s a stay amidst nature, a seaside getaway, or a retreat to a peaceful destination, travelling helps you escape the usual stress and adopt a slower pace of life.

By taking the time to discover new horizons, walk through tranquil landscapes, or simply appreciate the calm of a secluded spot, you can renew your mental energy and rediscover inner serenity. Travel offers the ideal framework for personal reflection and meditation, away from the pressures of everyday life.

Everyday moments of well-being

Meditation is not limited to formal sessions; it can also be incorporated into small moments of well-being in everyday life. Taking a hot bath, enjoying a cup of tea, or simply sitting in silence in a quiet place are all opportunities to meditate and refocus. These simple moments of relaxation when dealing with stress and anxiety help to release accumulated tension and calm the mind.

By cultivating these small well-being rituals, you will gradually integrate meditation into your everyday life, contributing to an ongoing reduction in stress and anxiety.

Making meditation part of your daily routine for lasting well-being

To promote relaxation, reduce stress and ease anxiety, it is essential to incorporate meditation into your daily routine.

Build a meditation routine to suit your life

To reap the full benefits of meditation, it is essential to make it a regular part of your daily routine. The key is to build a meditation routine that suits your personal lifestyle and needs.

Start by identifying a time of day when you are most receptive, whether it is when you wake up to start the day calmly, or at the end of the day to relax before going to sleep. You don’t have to meditate for long – even five or ten minutes a day can make a huge difference. The important thing is to remain constant and to make meditation a special part of your day, a time to find yourself and calm your mind.

Overcoming the obstacles to regular practice

Like any new habit, incorporating meditation into your routine can come up against obstacles. A lack of time, different distractions and difficulty concentrating can all hold back your practice. To overcome these challenges, it is important to remain flexible and not get discouraged. If you are short on time, consider meditating for short but regular periods, such as during your lunch break or while waiting for the coffee to brew. If distractions are a problem, try finding a quieter place or using tools like meditation apps to guide you. Lastly, remember that meditation is a personal practice; there is no “right” or “wrong” way to meditate. What counts is persevering and finding what works for you.

Meditation during pregnancy

Meditation is a particularly beneficial practice during pregnancy, helping you to manage emotions and relieve stress. During this period of great physical and emotional change, meditation can offer you moments of calm and connection with both yourself and your baby.

Meditation during pregnancy helps you to concentrate on breathing, reduce muscular tension and improve sleep quality. It also helps you to better manage the anxiety associated with childbirth and the new responsibilities that lie ahead.

The long-term effects of meditation on anxiety

Regular meditation practice has a cumulative effect on mental well-being, particularly on anxiety management. In the long term, meditation helps to shift the way the brain reacts to stress. It promotes a calmer state of mind, improves resilience in the face of stressful situations and helps to regulate emotions more effectively. People who meditate regularly often experience a significant reduction in their anxiety levels, along with improved concentration and a greater ability to live fully in the present moment. By integrating meditation into your daily life, you are investing in lasting well-being that will continue to develop and grow over time.