Work the face, shoulders, arms, legs and buttocks. Suggest to yourself a calm state and a feeling of peace. Breathe slowly, regularly and deeply during the procedure. Once relaxed, imagine yourself in your favorite place or a place of great beauty and stillness. After five or 10 minutes, gradually rouse yourself.
Relaxed breathing can help because it is quick and calming.
It can be used in many situations and should be part of any effort aimed at relaxation. Exercise, too, can aid in stress relief, because it has a calming effect that lasts well after you finish your workout. Mayo Clinic Family Health Book is one of numerous resources available from Mayo Clinic s Health Information Division.