Problem:
Help with peer responding to classmate's discussion post
Before completing these exercises, I thought that relaxation techniques would only be effective for people who were already feeling overwhelmed. However, what surprised me was realizing how much stress a person can carry without even noticing it. Throughout the course, I've learned that I often respond to stress by staying busy and pushing through my responsibilities instead of taking time to recover. Need Assignment Help?
When I practiced Progressive Muscle Relaxation on the first day, I initially found it awkward to focus on each muscle group because I am accustomed to keeping my mind constantly occupied. However, as the exercise continued, I noticed that my entire body felt lighter, not because my stress had disappeared, but because I had finally stopped long enough to recognize it. During the second session, I was able to relax more quickly and found it easier to stay present instead of thinking about everything I still needed to accomplish.
The deep breathing exercise provided a different experience. Instead of creating a dramatic sense of relaxation, it helped me slow my thoughts whenever I started thinking about school, work, and everything else on my schedule. I also appreciated how convenient it was because it only took a few minutes to complete. The course materials explain that relaxation techniques reduce the body's stress response by activating physiological processes associated with calmness, making them effective coping strategies for everyday stress (University of Maryland Global Campus [UMGC], 2026). The Gale reading also notes that breathing exercises and meditation can interrupt the cycle of physical tension and anxious thinking that often accompanies stress (Meditation, 2008).
Of all the relaxation techniques, Yoga Nidra was the most unfamiliar to me. I practiced it in the evening without the intention of falling asleep. Instead, I focused on following the instructions without worrying whether I was doing everything correctly. By the end of the session, I felt noticeably calmer and realized I was no longer replaying everything that had happened throughout the day. Although I probably would not use a longer guided session every evening, I would definitely use it again during particularly stressful times.
Overall, this activity showed me that managing stress does not always require major lifestyle changes. Sometimes, simply slowing down for 10 to 20 minutes can make a meaningful difference. Going forward, I believe deep breathing will become the technique I use most often because it fits easily into my daily routine. Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Yoga Nidra are techniques I plan to use when I recognize that stress is beginning to affect me both physically and mentally. These exercises reinforced the idea that coping with stress involves developing healthy habits before becoming overwhelmed (Anxiety Reduction Technique, 2009).