In today’s fast-paced life, where you are running from place to place, trying to meet deadlines and coping with the growing demands of your job and home, relaxation has indeed become a luxury few can afford. However, your mind and body need occasional bouts of rest to be able to perform well. What better way to rest than to simply learn a few relaxation techniques. These are simple, can be done anywhere and have the desired result.

A commonly used technique to relax is Progressive relaxation. Developed by Edmond Jacobson, it is based on the premise that the body responds to anxiety and stress with muscle tension. This bodily tension increases the subjective experience of anxiety. It is only when the muscles relax that anxiety reduces.

Progressive relaxation has proved to be very effective in the treatment of muscular tension, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, irritable bowels, muscle spasms, neck and back pain, high blood pressure, mild phobias and stuttering.