DIFFERENTIAL RELAXATION

To get used to feeling the difference between tension and relaxation, we’re going to make use of certain physiological phenomenon. When a muscle is kept fully contracted for a few seconds it must, immediately afterwards, relax completely in order to recover. This period of automatic recovery can be felt, developed and controlled. And that is what you are going to do. At first your muscles might feel a little painful. It’s a little like starting to practice a sport you haven’t done for a long time. This is perfectly normal, so don’t worry about it. If you find the exercise too difficult, or if your doctor advises against it for health reasons, try concentrated relaxation instead. You can get someone to read you the instructions that follow, or you can tape them yourself and then play the tape whenever you want to do a relaxation session.