Frequent bouts of stress and anxiety create physical tension in the body. When stress persists, we can "forget" how to relax, a common source of chronic pain.
In this practice, Jen prompts you to alternate between tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to help you not only release chronic muscle tension, but also get more familiar with the difference between what tension and relaxation feels like.
Progressive Relaxation is well-studied and has been shown to not only reduce the effects of stress and anxiety, but also relieve insomnia, decrease headaches, control blood pressure, and ease digestive upset.
Instructions for how to set up for this practice start at 1:36 and the meditation starts at 2:30. If your podcast app supports chapters makers, you can use them to skip ahead.
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Skillful Means Podcast offers these guided practices to help you deepen into your yoga and mindfulness journey.
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You can get in touch with Jen directly at https://www.sati.yoga where she offers yoga and mindfulness classes, workshops, trainings, and IFS coaching.