This document discusses relaxation therapy techniques that can help reduce stress and anxiety. It defines relaxation therapy as techniques that promote stress reduction and eliminate tension in the body and mind. Some key techniques discussed include progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, meditation, biofeedback, exercise, deep breathing, music, visualization, hypnosis, massage, and yoga. The purpose of relaxation therapy is to calm the body and induce the relaxation response to provide a natural cure for stress and anxiety symptoms. Relaxation therapy aims to quiet the mind and allow for restful relaxation. Precautions are discussed for certain relaxation techniques depending on individual health conditions. The role of nurses is to assess clients and provide diagnoses to help implement appropriate relaxation therapies.

1. RELAXATION THERAPY
Mr. Ashok Kumar
Msc nursing 1st year
(Pal college of nursing and
medical science

2. Definition
 Relaxation therapy is a broad term used to describe a
number of techniques that promote stress reduction,
the elimination of tension throughout the body, and a
calm and peaceful state of mind. In
 A decrease in tension or intensity , resulting in
refreshment of body and mind. A state of refreshing
tranquility .

3. What is Relaxation Therapy?
 During sleep, the mind can remain active, though the
rhythm is slower than that of the mind when awake. Have
you ever slept for a full night, but awoke still feeling tired?
When the mind is active, sleep is not always restful.
 The aim of relaxation therapy is to quiet the mind; to allow
thoughts to flow in a smooth, level rhythm, and induce the
relaxation response. This mental quiet allows for rest and
rejuvenation that does not always occur, even during sleep.
 Relaxation therapy does not attempt to empty the mind,
since it is not possible to think of nothing. In relaxation, we
focus the mind, and relax both mind and body.

4. Purpose of relaxation therapy
 Relaxation therapy techniques calm the body and
provide a natural cure for symptoms of
stress and anxiety by inducing the relaxation
response - the opposite of the body's stress response
 Prevent excessive arousal
 Decrease the physical and mental symptoms of
nervousness
 Alternative to motivational methods to not over arouse
the athlete.

5. Types of relaxation
TYPES OF RELAXATION
TECHNIQUES

6. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
 The most common form of relaxation
 Involves the athlete tensing and relaxing muscle
groups from top to bottom.
 Objective is to reduce muscular tension
 Reduces heart and breathing rate
 Should not be used before competition

7. Autogenic Training
 Relies upon feelings of heaviness and warmth in
muscles.
 3 parts:
- Creation of the feelings of heaviness and warmth
- Use of imagery of relaxing scenes
- Use of specific themes

8. Meditation
 Involves deep breathing and concentration
 Allows tension to leave the body with exhalation.
 Forms:
- sitting quietly for 20 minutes
- focusing on a word or symbol
whilst controlling breathing.

9. Biofeedback
 Uses instruments which measure changes in bodily
functions.
 Instruments can measure changes in:
- Skin temperature
- Sweating
- Heart rate
- Breathing
- Muscle activity
- Brain waves

10. Exercise
 Can improve mood state
 Reduce muscle tension
 Light, aerobic exercise
 Examples:
 - Going for a light jog
 - Doing exercises such as Tai Chi

11. Deep Breathing
 Concentrate on breathing rate.
 Deep breaths

12. Music
 Involves listening to music which motivates them or
acts to relax them

13. Sayings/mantras
 Key positive statements the participant repeats out
loud or to themselves.
 Helps the athlete to remain calm before competition

14. Visualization
 Mental imagery
 Requires participant to create a picture in their mind
Example:
 Can see themselves winning the event they are about
to participate in.

15. Hypnosis
 Requires the participant to focus on a thought, object
or voice

16. Massage
 Relieves muscle tension
 Improves flexibility

17. Hydrotherapy
 Flotation tanks
 Hot baths
 Swimming leisurely in a heated pool

18. Hobbies
 Any activity that you find relaxing and slows the body
and mind
 Examples:
1. Reading
2. Playing a musical instrument

19. Yoga
Variety of Indian forms of exercise
Helps promote:
- Balance
- Coordination
- Flexibility
- Meditation

20. Precautions
 Relaxation techniques that involve special exercises or body
manipulation (massage and yoga )may not be suitable for individuals
with certain health conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. These
individuals should consult with their healthcare professionals before
engaging in these therapies.
 Biofeedback may be contraindicated (not recommended) in some
individuals who use a pacemaker or other implantable electrical
devices. These individuals should inform their therapist before starting
treatments, as certain types of biofeedback sensors have the potential
to interfere with their use.
 Relaxation therapy may not be suitable for some unwilling patients.
 Some relaxation therapies may also be inappropriate for cognitively
impaired individuals (e.g., patients with organic brain disease or
a traumatic brain injury) depending on their level of functioning.

21. Role of the nurse in relaxation
therapy
 Assessment –genetic influence ,past experience ,client
perception of the stressor ,adaption response
 Diagnosis
1 risk prone health behavior
2 anxiety
3 disturbed body image
4 coping , defensive
5 decisional conflict
6 fear
7 hopelessness

22. Thank you
prepared by-Ashok Kumar
e mail-ashokgreat51@gmail.com