Ithaca College

Relaxation techniques can help melt stress away.  Many relaxation techniques can be done on your own for free or minimal cost. Learning how to calm your mind, relax your body and decrease stress can lead to improved health.

The Mayo Clinic reports that through relaxation techniques, stress symptoms can be reduced by boosting confidence, lowering blood pressure and reducing muscle tension, among many others!

What are the types of relaxation techniques? There are many, including:

1. Autogenic relaxation: In this relaxation technique, you use both visual imagery and body awareness to reduce stress. You repeat words or suggestions in your mind to help you relax and reduce muscle tension.
2. Progressive muscle relaxation: In this relaxation technique, you focus on slowly tensing and then relaxing each muscle group.
3. Visualization: In this relaxation technique, you form mental images to take a visual journey to a peaceful, calming place or situation.

Other common relaxation techniques include yoga, tai chi, listening to music, exercise, meditation, hypnosis and massage.

The information for this posting was taken from an article published by the Mayo Clinic, found here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/relaxation-technique/SR00007.

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