Resources · Workshop Techniques

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

A gentle way to notice tension in the body — and what it feels like to let it go.

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a body-awareness exercise that involves gently tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups. It can help young people notice the difference between tension and relaxation and become more aware of how stress can show up in the body.

Try This

Starting with one area, such as the hands or shoulders, gently tighten the muscles for a few seconds and then let them relax. Notice how the muscles feel before and after releasing the tension. Move through a few different areas of the body at a comfortable pace. The exercise should always be gentle — there is no need to tense muscles strongly or cause discomfort.

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