Many people find it difficult to relax physically and mentally without making a definite effort. There are dozens of techniques to relieve excessive tension, some from the ancient East, others from the modern West. What constitutes an effective method of relaxing depends largely on personal preference. A technique that works well for one individual might not work at all for another. Many factors enter into choosing a relaxation technique, such as the amount of time and discipline needed.
Some techniques can be learned by the individual alone, others require more formal instruction.
Many people have found that various forms of meditation relieve tension. In general, meditation involves focusing on a thought, word, phrase, or object to calm the mind. Some meditation techniques also involve breathing exercises. Scientists have found that during meditation the body undergoes physical changes, such as slower heartbeat or lower blood pressure, which indicate a state of deep relaxation. Some people find that simply envisioning peaceful or pleasant scenes helps relieve tension.