Neuromuscular Progressive Relaxation


(Designed to create awareness of tension and relaxation and promote relaxation)

Don't rush this... Be sure to pay attention to the subject's responses, make sure you allow enough time for tension or relaxation to actually occur before proceeding to the next step.

Induction:
Make yourself as comfortable as possible, either sitting or lying down.  For a moment become aware of your feet  and how they feel.

Next,  point your feet and toes.    :::pause:::
And now pull back on your feet as though you were trying to touch your knees with your toes.

Release the muscles... let them go slack.. and loose... and allow the to relax... deeply.  Take time to notice the difference between tenseness and relaxation.

Now, straighten your legs and using the front thigh muscles, lock your knees. Make them unbendable.
And now... release these muscles... let them go slack.. very loose and limp... and allow the to completely relax.    Notice how good that feels

And now tighten your buttocks and abdominal muscles as much as possible.  Squeeze the buttocks
muscles and tense your stomach muscles.  Now... let those muscles relax.. and feel that relaxation.

Stretch your arms out before you and place the palms of your hands together.  And now press your palms together as hard as you can..... and  hold it... hold it.....  and.... hold it...

Now.... release that hold... allow your arms to rest comfortably at your sides or in your lap... Notice how loose and limp they feel.. deeply relaxed now.

Press your chin into your chest.  Clench your teeth.   Squeeze your eyes and mouth closed.  Close your face tightly... and create tension in your face.. ::pause::  Release that hold..  And now...   with your eyes still closed, stretch your face open. Open your mouth wide, raise your eyebrows.

And now release that tension... and just relax. Take a few moments to scan your body for any lingering tension. If you find any, simply tell your body to let go. Just allow relaxation to flow through your body....  Noticing the sensations of deep relaxation, feeling like warm, healing fluid gently swirling throughout your body. Just Relax.

Add suggestions  here.

Coming up:
It is so nice to relax this way... so completely relaxed now... spend a moment to bring your awareness out of your body and into the external surroundings.  When you feel ready to do so, slowly open you eyes and return to full alertness feeling relaxed and refreshed.