Johns Hopkins Health Alert
Using Relaxation Techniques To Help Conquer Anxiety
- Relaxation techniques show promise for the treatment of anxiety
- Common relaxation techniques for anxiety include meditation and guided imagery
Relaxation techniques may help people cope with the stresses that contribute to anxiety and help relieve some of the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety. The most commonly used relaxation techniques for anxiety are meditation, guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation and autogenic training (which involves imagining that certain body parts are becoming warm and heavy one at a time). These techniques may promote relaxation by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which in turn can lead to decreases in blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and muscle tension.
Although relaxation techniques show promise for the treatment of anxiety, large, randomized, controlled trials are still needed to confirm their effectiveness. Consequently, relaxation techniques to treat anxiety should be used only in combination with proven treatments and not as a substitute for medication or psychotherapy. In addition, these techniques may worsen anxiety or other medical conditions in a small number of individuals, so it’s best to consult your doctor before trying any of them.
Mastering relaxation techniques to treat anxiety requires practice and some training from a professional. If your primary care physician, psychiatrist or psychologist does not teach these techniques, he or she can refer you to a practitioner who does.
Posted in Depression and Anxiety on April 17, 2006
Reviewed June 2011
Medical Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician. Click here for additional information: Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Disclaimer
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I found that going to the "Y" and working out in the fitness center does wonders. It releases the tension, clears the mind, and brings a smile to the face. It causes the the tension and anxiety to drift or float out of the body. It restores confidence.
Some one may ask what kind of exercies do I do. Well, I start with a walk of 1/2 mile around the track, and at the same time stretch my upper body while carrying 5 pound weights in each hand. After that, I use 2 range of mnotion exercise machines, followed by 50 pound weight pulls. Then it is followed by 1/2 mile of leisurely jogging around the track. I conclude with another 1/2 mile walk, 40 push ups, and close with deep breathing, head rotations, a final stretch, a weight check on the,wash my hands and leave the "Y" a very happy camper.
Try it. Or try your own program. The trainers are very helpful in suggesting an exercise plan.
Posted by: dd | June 23, 2006 8:14 PM