Preparing for Relaxation

When you are beginning to practice progressive muscle relaxation exercises keep in mind the following points.

• Physical injuries. If you have any injuries, or a history of physical problems that may cause muscle pain, always consult your doctor before you start.

• Select your surroundings. Minimise the distraction to your five senses. Such as turning off the TV and radio, and using soft lighting.

• Make yourself comfortable. Use a chair that comfortably seats your body, including your head. Wear loose clothing, and take off your shoes.

• Internal mechanics. Avoid practicing after big, heavy meals, and do not practice after consuming any intoxicants, such as alcohol.

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General Procedure

Once you’ve set aside the time and place for relaxation, slow down your breathing and give yourself permission to relax.When you are ready to begin, tense the muscle group described. Make sure you can feel the tension, but not so much that you feel a great deal of pain. Keep the muscle tensed for approximately 5 seconds.Relax the muscles and keep it relaxed for approximately 10 seconds. It may be helpful to say something like “Relax” as you relax the muscle.When you have finished the relaxation procedure, remain seated for a few moments allowing yourself to become alert.

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Relaxation Sequence

1. Forehead. Raise your eyebrows as high as they will go, as though you were surprised by something.

2. Eyes and cheeks. Squeeze your eyes tight shut.

3. Mouth and jaw. Open your mouth as wide as you can, as you might when you‘re yawning.

4. Neck. !!! Be careful as you tense these muscles. Face forward and then pull your head back slowly, as though you are looking up to the ceiling.

5. Shoulders. Tense the muscles in your shoulders as you bring your shoulders up towards your ears.

6. Shoulder blades/Back. Push your shoulder blades back, trying to almost touch them together, so that your chest is pushed forward.

7. Right hand and forearm. Make a fist with your right hand.

8. Right upper arm. Bring your right forearm up to your shoulder to “make a muscle”.

9. Left hand and forearm.

10. Left upper arm.

11. Chest and stomach. Breathe in deeply, filling up your lungs and chest with air.

12. Hips and buttocks. Squeeze your buttock muscles

13. Right upper leg. Tighten your right thigh.

14. Right lower leg. !!! Do this slowly and carefully to avoid cramps. Pull your toes towards you to stretch the calf muscle.

15. Right foot. Curl your toes downwards.

16. Left upper leg. Repeat as for right upper leg.

17. Left lower leg. Repeat as for right lower leg.

18. Left foot. Repeat as for right foot.

 

Practice means progress. Only through practice can you become more aware of your muscles, how they respond with tension, and how you can relax them. Training your body to respond differently to stress is like any training –practising consistently is the key.

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