The Relaxation Response

The Relaxation Response (RR) is a physiologic state that is the opposite of stress. In the RR, there are decreases in heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and muscle tension, as well as improved concentration.

There are many methods by which the RR can be elicited. Many involve two steps:

• Focused repetition of a sound, word, prayer or movement
• When thoughts come up, passively disregard them and come back to the focus