Four Steps Common to All Techniques

1. A quiet environment—free from noise and distractions

2. Comfortable body position—wearing loose-fitting clothing

3. Something to concentrate on—choose any sensory system or combination of systems (visual, auditory, feeling, olfactory, gustatory)

4. Concentrate passively—your mind is bound to wander. Gently bring it back to what you were concentrating on.

Some Good Guidelines to Follow When Relaxing

Ÿ Spend 15-20 minutes a day practicing your techniques so that when you need them you’ll have them.

Ÿ Learning will generalize itself. After you learn the technique in a quiet environment, you can use it elsewhere.

Ÿ Learning will streamline itself, and the relaxation process will occur quickly.

Ÿ Try practicing at times other than immediately after a meal or just prior to going to sleep.

Ÿ An exercise plan is a good supplement to any relaxation program.

Ÿ Remember: Stress is simply the way your body signals you to relax.