Relaxation and Stress Reduction Techniques (Controlled Breathing) Counselling Service Tip Sheet

There are many physical, biological and psychological benefits to be gained from using relaxation techniques. These benefits have been widely documented, with immediate effects including (to name just a mere few) lowered heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels. In the longer term, relaxation practice can assist you to sleep better and to strengthen your immune system, making you less susceptible to sickness and disease. Pain can also be better controlled with regular specialised relaxation practise. On the psychological side, relaxation can increase your sense of general well-being and improve your capacity to think clearly, focus and sustain your attention, manage stress, regulate emotions and increase awareness – particularly good news for students! The instructions overleaf will guide you through the Controlled/Abdominal Breathing relaxation technique. It can be particularly helpful to record these instructions onto an audio device (e.g. MP3 player/voice recorder) so that you can work through the activity without reading