Reduce stress and anxiety by releasing muscle tension with this technique, detailed in a handout by the Centre for Clinical Interventions that leverages the mind-body connection.
To practice progressive muscle relaxation, tense and then release each muscle group in the following sequence:
- Right hand and forearm
- Right upper arm
- Left hand and forearm
- Left upper arm
- Forehead
- Eyes and cheeks
- Mouth and jaw
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Shoulder blades and back
- Chest and stomach
- Hips and buttocks
- Right upper leg
- Right lower leg
- Right foot
- Left upper leg
- Left lower leg
- Left foot
For a more comprehensive explanation of the practice, refer to the original handout.
