Relaxation is a skill that can be acquired.  it is not something that automatically happens when the body is at rest, nor is it something only possible when you are drunk. 

Relaxation is an important counterpart to tension.  Being able to relax comprehensively enhances ability to use muscle tension and carry out physical skills effectively.

Stress is good. It is an important part of survival.  Under normal conditions of stress, the body and mind is able to bounce back into shape when the stressor is removed and relaxation returns.  This is controlled by controlling the situations that we are exposed to.  A situation which is followed by an inability to relax leads to strain on the body and mind, in which physiology changes and does not return to the previous state.  When this happens some postural habit becomes realigned, the chest might slump and face muscles become constricted.  These changes are usually accompanied by a reduction in functionality.

Some of the immediate symptoms of an inability to relax include headaches, reduced immunity and nervousness and prolonged stress is associated with many conditions such as psychological disorders, stomach ulcers and cancer.

Relaxation is something everyone should learn as a skill to help get more out of life.  There are many practitioners who deliver relaxation classes using various techniques.

If you are a provider of relaxation training and wish to be included on this site, then please contact us through the link above.

Following are some links describing various techniques:

stress.about.com/od/relaxation describes different relaxation techniques:

The following describe simple relaxation visualization exercises:

wso.williams.edu/orgs/peerh/stress/relax.html and

www.nmu.edu/www-sam/cnsel_ctr/relax.htm and

www.counsel.ufl.edu/selfHelp/relaxation.asp

The following describe Progressive Muscle Relaxation:

ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/har/les1.htm and

www.guidetopsychology.com/pmr.htm