Which technique is used for reducing tension and anxiety?

Progressive relaxation is a technique specifically designed to help individuals reduce tension and anxiety by promoting physical relaxation. The process involves tensing and then relaxing various muscle groups in a systematic way. This practice not only helps to decrease muscle tension but also fosters awareness of bodily sensations associated with stress and relaxation. As individuals practice progressive relaxation, they often find it easier to identify their stress cues and learn to manage their responses more effectively, leading to a greater sense of calm and reduced anxiety levels.

The effectiveness of progressive relaxation lies in its ability to teach individuals how to intentionally release physical tension that often accompanies anxiety. By cultivating this skill, individuals can integrate progressive relaxation into their daily routines as a self-management tool for stress. In contrast, cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis, and exposure therapy may address anxiety but do so through different mechanisms that do not focus primarily on the physical relaxation of muscle tension.