Just One Thing - with Michael Mosley
Deep Calm - Ep 2: Relaxing Your Body
May 14, 2024
Discover the power of progressive muscle relaxation to trigger the body's relaxation response. Learn how deliberately tensing and relaxing muscles can promote calmness. Explore the inner workings of the brain and nerve cells involved in relaxation. Special guest: Professor Ian Robertson from Trinity College Dublin.
14:09
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Quick takeaways
- Progressive muscle relaxation triggers the body's relaxation response, reducing stress and improving mood.
- Emotions manifest physically in the body, and relaxation techniques influence the brain's stress response network.
Deep dives
The Power of Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation is a powerful technique to activate the body's relaxation response. By systematically tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups while focusing on breathing, this method triggers a cascade of responses that can reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, improve mood, and even alleviate pain. Tackling the external bodily manifestations of stress through muscle relaxation influences the brain's network, leading to a calmer state facilitated by the parasympathetic nervous system.
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