The opposite of a stress state is a relaxation state. Cardiologist Herbert Benson, MD coined the phrase Relaxation Response in the 1970's after studying a group of practitioners of Transcendental meditation. He found that they could slow their breathing by 25%, decrease their oxygen consumption by 17% and slow their heart rate and he applied their basic techniques to his Relaxation Response method.
First you need to find a quiet place and sit comfortably. Relax your muscles and close your eyes. Pick a focus word, phrase or prayer that has meaning for you. Breathe slowly and naturally, in through your nose and out through your mouth and silently say your focus word or phrase over and over. Say "oh well" if bad thoughts or feelings intrude and return to your repetition. Do this for 20 minutes a day, 3 or 4 times a week and you will soon learn to relax and benefit from this practice.
