What is progressive muscle relaxation?

• A. A cardio workout
• B. A cognitive therapy technique focusing on thoughts
• C. A technique that involves tensing and relaxing muscle groups to reduce stress and promote relaxation
• D. A dietary plan

Answer: (C)

Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique for reducing stress by intentionally tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups to bring awareness to the contrast between tension and calm. By guiding you to alternate between a brief tense and a release, it trains your body to recognize when you’re tense and to consciously release it, lowering overall arousal and promoting a calmer state.

It’s not a cardio workout, which aims to increase heart rate and endurance. It’s also not primarily about changing thoughts through cognitive strategies, nor is it a dietary plan. In practice, you typically work through major muscle groups—tensing each briefly and then relaxing—often moving from the feet up toward the head, paying close attention to the sensation of release. This makes it a practical tool for stress management and improving relaxation, useful in corrections and well-being contexts.