Progressive Muscle Relaxation Can Help You Reduce Anxiety and Prevent Panic

Have you ever noticed how tense your muscles get when you’re feeling anxious. Or, perhaps you’ve been anxious for so long that you’ve forgotten what it physically feels like to be completely relaxed. Studies have shown that a technique called progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) has been effective in reducing anxiety and maintaining a relaxed state.

PMR was developed by Chicago physician Edmund Jacobson in the 1920s. Jacobson theorized that anxiety and stress lead to muscle tension, which, in turn, increases feelings of anxiety. When the body is in a relaxed state, however, there is little muscle tension, leading to decreased anxious feelings. Jacobson believed that if one’s body is relaxed, one’s mind cannot be in a state of angst.

If you are familiar with this technique, we would love to hear your comments.

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