Stress management: Relaxing your mind and body

Introduction
Take a deep breath. Hold it for a moment, and then exhale. Feel more relaxed? Breathing exercises are one way to relax. Here you will learn about different ways to relax your mind and body. Being relaxed can help ease stress. It can also relieve anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.
Key points
To relax means to calm the mind, the body, or both.
Relaxing can quiet your mind and make you feel peaceful and calm. Your body also reacts when you relax. For example, your muscles may be less tense and more flexible.
There are different ways to relax. You may find one or more ways help to you calm down and feel at peace.
What does it mean to relax the mind and body?
Why relax?
How can you relax your mind and body?
Where to go from here
Return to topic:
Panic Attacks
Social Anxiety Disorder
Stress Management


Author:	Merrill Hayden	Last Updated: May 21, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
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