THIS IS AN EASY, pleasant way to ease tension and relax. Lie down, turn on a relaxation tape (or CD or MP3), and close your eyes. A relaxation tape is a recording of someone guiding you through a pleasant experience that relaxes you. I recommend the following tapes:

Audiotape: Letting Go Of Stress
by Jerrold Greenberg

The Silva Method: Unlocking the Genius Within
by Robert Stone

Total Relaxation: Release Stress and Tension
by Kelly Howell

Progressive Relaxation and Breathing
by Matthew McKay and Patrick Fanning

Deep Relaxation (Abundant Well Being Series)
by Nischala Devi

TAPES LIKE THESE are not only relaxing, they have a measurable, physical effect on the body. In a study of a hundred and thirty patients about to undergo abdominal surgery, half of them listened to relaxation tapes for three days before the surgery and for six days after the surgery. The other half (the control group) did not listen to relaxation tapes. All other treatment was the same for both groups. All of them were tested in various ways as the surgery process unfolded.

Patients who listened to the tapes measured less anxiety before the surgery and far less pain afterward. The reduction in pain was such that they required only half as much pain medication as the people in the control group. Listening to relaxation tapes not only can lower anxiety but it can reduce pain. And it is pleasant to do. What a great tool! Try out a few different tapes and when you find one you like, you have a simple, easy way to reliably induce a state of muscular relaxation.