Relaxation can be used to help you manage your pain. It can help to reduce tension and break the vicious cycle of anxiety, stress and pain. Like any skill it takes practice to learn well.

Relaxation is not just doing nothing, reading a book, watching TV or sitting down for a bit, although you may enjoy doing some of these things. Relaxation is an active process. 

• Relaxation involves changing your body’s responses to pain and painful experiences. The benefits of changing these responses include:
• Reduced muscle spasms
• Releasing endorphins (our natural painkillers), which reduce pain
• Reduced effects of stress
• A lower breathing rate
• Lower blood pressure
• A lower heart rate
• Improved sleep
• A calm mind, so thinking becomes clearer and more effective
• Helping you to feel more in control

Read on to find out more. If you need more information, you can visit the ‘Get Information’ section of the patient online platform, if you’re registered with the Pain Service. This is accessible at http://somersetpain.co.uk. If you’re not registered, then the website also has information under the ‘Get more information/resources’ section.