Progressive Relaxation Technique

Some people find that just imagining themselves relaxing is actually creating tension. A different technique is to try progressive relaxation which helps you relax by tightening and relaxing different muscle groups in your body. Below is an example using your feet.

  1. Sit comfortably.
  2. Flex your toes towards your head.
  3. Feel the tension that occurs in your feet, ankles, and lower legs.
  4. Pay close attention to the feelings of tightness and tension. Hold for 10 seconds.
  5. Relax your feet and let them return to their normal positions.
  6. Feel the difference in your feet angles and lower legs where it was tense there is now a feeling of relaxation.

Tip: you can do this with your entire body, making your way from your feet all the way up to your head.