‘The Relaxation Response’ is a term penned by Dr Herbert Benson of Harvard University in 1968. He had good success with reducing stress and controlling the fight-or-flight response.

Direct effects of Dr. Benson’s relaxation techniques includes deep relaxation, slowed heartbeat and breathing, reduced oxygen consumption and increased skin resistance.

The Relaxation Response Technique is as follows:

1. Sit comfortably and quietly

2. Close your eyes

3. Start by relaxing the muscles of your feet and then work up your body relaxing each of your body muscles

4. Focus/Breathe purposefully/Deeply/Calmly

5. Breathe in deeply and then let your breath out. Count your breaths, and say the number of the breaths as you let each one out

Do this for ten to twenty minutes.

Alternatively, follow the above steps, using relaxation imagery instead of counting breaths in step 5.

Grand Teton National Park

Norton, Mike

Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com