Mini relaxations: our current guide
What this page said
Mini-relaxations were described as exercises that reduce anxiety and tension immediately, can be done with eyes open or closed (open when driving), anywhere and unnoticed. Suggested moments included traffic, being on hold, the doctor's waiting room, after being upset, waiting in line or when in pain. The page said minis help anyone but work best for people who already elicit the relaxation response regularly.
The basic method was diaphragmatic breathing: a hand just below the navel, a deep breath in through the nose and out through the mouth, with the stomach rising and falling about an inch, lying down to practise if it was difficult.
Key points from the original
- Works anywhere and without being noticed.
- Best for people who practise the full relaxation response regularly.
- Based on belly (diaphragmatic) breathing.