Ten Easy Relaxation Techniques

The following ten easy relaxation techniques will guide you through the basic stages of relaxation. Once you understand this basic outline you will have a simple, quick, and effective stress method for recognizing and reducing symptoms of stress before they can accumulate.

1. Pause, and relax into a comfortable position with spine straight.


2. Become aware of your surroundings.


3. Breathe awareness into your body. Exhale long and slow, sighing, ahh...trust gravity. Allow inhalations to fill you effortlessly.


4. Scan your body for signs of tensions.


5. Smile tenderly to yourself, remembering, "I don't need to squeeze so tightly."


6. Open and gently soften around any tension or pain.


7. Eyes soft, jaw relaxed, arms heavy and warm, mind at ease, rest and be energized by the release of free-flowing life around you.


8. Picture in your mind your next activity and imagine carrying this feeling of ease and energy into action.


9. Gently open your focus to be aware of the space around you.


10. Carry this calm vitality into action.

Experience this free flow at work. Share it with others.

[Adapted from the book "The Fine Arts of Relaxation, Concentration, and Meditation" by Joel & Michelle Levey]