Mental health professionals recommend regular practice of relaxation exercises, because just like any other skill, “practice makes perfect”! When we practice coping skills in times of minimal stress, we increase our self-efficacy in using the coping skill in times of higher stress.
Deep Breathing
Visit our Deep Breathing page to find step-by-step breathing exercises and a link to an audio clip that can take you through a deep breathing exercise. This exercise has many uses, such as relaxation, refocusing, and regaining a sense of control when having physical symptoms of anxiety.
Grounding 5-4-3-2-1: A Mindfulness Exercise
Visit our Grounding 5-4-3-2-1 page for a step-by-step guide to the 5 senses mindfulness activity. This exercise is particularly helpful for when you’re struggling to be in the present moment (perhaps dealing with intrusive images or racing thoughts).
Mindfulness
(This page is coming soon. Feel free to learn more about Mindfulness at the Mayo Clinic’s page, or on YouTube in the mean time)