Counsel #18 — Relaxing Your Body CMH 20

Picture: Counsel #18 — Relaxing Your Body CMH 20.1

When you feel worried or stressed, your body often gets tense without you even knowing it. Progressive muscle relaxation is a simple way to help your body let go of that tension and feel more peaceful. CMH 20.2

How to Do It: CMH 20.3

1. Lie down on your bed, a couch, or even a mat on the floor. Make sure you’re comfortable with your arms at your sides and your feet uncrossed.
2. Start at your toes: Close your eyes and take a slow, deep breath. Focus all your attention on your toes. Imagine them letting go of all their tightness. Say to yourself, "My toes are relaxing now."
3. Move slowly up your body: Continue moving your focus up, one body part at a time. Go from your toes to your feet, then to your calves, and so on. As you focus on each part—like your thighs, your stomach, your chest, and your arms—tell yourself to relax that area.
CMH 20

By taking the time to slowly check in with each part of your body, you can help it release the stress it’s holding.^{[21] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10844009/} CMH 20.4

“Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 NKJV CMH 20.5

“The reconciliation provided for us in the atonement of Christ is the foundation of our peace…” Ellen White in Lift Him Up, p. 332 CMH 20.6

Reflect: What does this exercise teach about the connection between your body and your emotions? CMH 20.7