August 6, 2010, Newsletter Issue #241: Stress Management: Psych-tips, Issue 7

Tip of the Week

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My Tip of the Week: Progressive Relaxation
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Muscle tension is perhaps the most common symptom of stress. Is your neck tight? How about your shoulders? You`ll feel much better and be able to work more efficiently if you reduce these symptoms of stress.

This week we continue our focus on stress management and relaxation with a tip to help you turn of your body`s stress alarm system by using progressive relaxation. Progressive relaxation is a technique designed to reduce the muscle tension that accompanies stress. Here`s how it works:

Lie down or sit with your feet shoulder-width apart, hands at your side or in your lap. Breathe in deeply and flex your toes for a count of three. Release and breathe out. Do the same for your calves, then your thighs, buttocks, stomach, chest, arms, shoulders, and neck. Move back down your body, repeatedly tense and release all of your major muscle groups as you breathe deeply.


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My Recommended Site of the Week
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For more relaxation techniques, check out this article:
http://www.craftsreport.com/december97/z.html



Tara Kuther, Ph.D., is a developmental psychologist and college professor. Tara is the editor and publisher of Growing Up, a website/newsletter about all the forms that growth may take including life-span development, self-help, writing, and personal growth. http://growing-up.8k.com

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