10/31/2025
*Everything* making you anxious? Here's a coping skill to try:
Progressive Muscle Relaxation involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in your body, which can help release physical tension and promote a sense of relaxation.
1. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down.
2. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
3. Start with your toes and gradually work your way up through your body, tensing and then relaxing each muscle group for about 5-10 seconds each.
4. As you tense each muscle group, focus on the sensation of tension and then consciously release it as you relax the muscle.
5. Progress through your body, including your feet, calves, thighs, abdomen, chest, arms, hands, shoulders, neck, and face.
6. Continue this process until you've tensed and relaxed all major muscle groups in your body.
By systematically tensing and relaxing your muscles, you can become more aware of physical tension and learn to release it, which can help alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress.
