Counseling Center

Learn to Relax

Almost all can benefit from learning more about how to relax. Of course there are a lot of activities that are relaxing, but they all start with calming your body and calming your mind. Breathing, and focusing on your breath, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to let go of stress and tension.

One well-researched technique is the Relaxation Response, a simple practice that once learned takes 10 to 20 minutes a day and can relieve the stress and tension that interferes so much with enjoyment and learning. The technique was developed by Herbert Benson, M.D. at Harvard Medical School and described in his book, The Relaxation Response (Harper Collins, 2000). To learn how to induce the relaxation response, click here.

There are several other relaxation techniques you can learn. Thanks to colleagues in universities around the country, you can download or stream directions for various breathing techniques and muscle relaxation strategies:

• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has four audio sessions: Breathe Easy, Relax Those Muscles, Body Scan, and Cultivate Mindfulness.
• The University of Texas at Austin has a 10 track relaxation tape that also includes visual imagery.
• The University of South Georgia has a series of online relaxation exercises that cover breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, self-talk, and meditation. This site also includes scripts of the different exercises.