Living with Stress - Muscle-relaxing techniques

Muscular tension accompanies psychological stress. The causes of the stress may differ, ranging from fear to worry to anger and frustration, but the muscular tension is always there. The muscle tone or tonus increases beyond the normally low level of contraction.

Exercises designed to reduce muscular tension can have a therapeutic effect on one's emotional state. The basic concept in all the various techniques for reducing stress through exercise is to reduce tension by depressing muscular activity and by degrees induce a state of relaxation. The exercises incidentally contribute to total fitness, but generally to a minor degree.

Rhythmic exercises for the trunk help to reduce tension and build muscles. These exercises also contribute to improved circulation. Other types of muscle-relaxing exercises help to improve breathing.