With no built-in or automatic physical outlet for the stress response in our lives, this potentially life saving response itself becomes threatening to our lives. This is why we need to learn the Relaxation Response. The Relaxation Response is just the opposite of the Stress Response and tends to reverse the negative impact of stress in our minds and bodies. Learning to reverse the negative impact of stress on our minds, bodies, immune system functioning, emotions, diseases, is more under our control than has previously been thought. Learning to elicit the Relaxation Response is one of the key components in reversing the negative impact of stress.
Stress flows into our lives automatically.
Stress Management is optional and only happens if you choose . . . Down This chart demonstrates how stress increases the body's physiological reactions, while true relaxation actually slows the body's physiology. Out of all these physical changes, notice that breathing is the one physical response that is most easily brought under your conscious control. Take a moment to realize what a blessing this is and how fortunate that you can choose to control and slow your breathing.