At the beginning, the master's thesis presents why it is important for every violist to know breathing and relaxation techniques and what they can help us with. Breathing is one of the basic life processes, therefore it has a decisive influence on our health and wellbeing. With it, we can provoke different reactions in the body, which can help us with playing and general health. Violists are prone to injuries due to forced posture and repetitive movements. Choosing and regularly practicing relaxation techniques, combined with proper breathing, can significantly reduce the risk of these injuries. The presented techniques also help us from a psychological point of view. They reduce everyday stress and improve our focus and alertness. They help us become aware of different movements in our body, which can also be used perfectly when playing an instrument. In the next chapter, the master's thesis briefly presents and describes various breathing techniques and gives concrete instructions for their implementation. These exercises are suitable for daily practice, but it is important to do them regularly if we want to see positive effects. We must always make sure that we do them in a safe environment where no injuries can occur in case of fainting. Finally, some other alternative relaxation techniques that are often used among musicians are presented: Alexander technique, Feldenkrais method, yoga, tai chi, Grindea technique and meditation. The master's thesis describes their origin and positive effects. Where possible, it presents concrete exercises, lessons or principles that can be applied to everyday life for our well-being, or can even be practiced with an instrument or when performing. Most of these techniques deal with the connection between physical movement, breath and mind. By observing our own body, they encourage us to learn new combinations of movements and become aware of old movement patterns. Through them, we can find the optimal body posture, which results in relaxed and unobstructed breathing and changed breathing pattern helps to improve the functioning of our internal organs and the entire body.
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