I'm not sure exactly what is meant by '' recalling the relaxation response.'' I have to admit I was not very good about listening to the relaxation tape during the 2nd half of the program. Evenso, the thing I WOULD '' recall '' was the soothing tone of Lucinda's voice, the counting, and HOW to breathe. THAT has really helped pull me out of LOTS of potential panic attacks. But ... is there something else I'm supposed to be recalling ?

quote:

Originally posted by becbeliever:
[qb]I'm not sure exactly what is meant by '' recalling the relaxation response.'' I have to admit I was not very good about listening to the relaxation tape during the 2nd half of the program. Evenso, the thing I WOULD '' recall '' was the soothing tone of Lucinda's voice, the counting, and HOW to breathe. THAT has really helped pull me out of LOTS of potential panic attacks. But ... is there something else I'm supposed to be recalling ? [/qb]

The relaxation tape helps you train your mind and body to be calm upon request. The breathing exercise helps you associate controlling your breathing with also controlling your thoughts and stress level. People with anxiety have trouble calming their thoughts in the midst of an anxious episode. Practicing while NOT in an anxious episode will help you recall how to achieve relaxation when you want/need it.

Tammy

How odd... I was just talking to someone about this earlier today. Many years back I read a book "The Relaxation Response" and "Beyond The Relaxation Response". The way I remember it the relaxation response works much like the flight or fight response only with the opposite results. It was thought, as far as I remember, that in people with panic the fight or flight response over-acts and the relaxation response under-acts. The same way that our bodies respond to fear by sending out the chemicals that give us the body feelings we get with panic, it also sends out calming relaxing chemicals when we practice relaxation. The more often these chemicals are sent out the more that they will build up in our systems and the easier it will be to obtain that level of relaxation in the future, or even on demmand. So the same way that a simple thought, memory, or situation may cause you to go into the fight or flight response (Panic Attack), and then cause you to feel very anxious for long periods at a time, with enough practice a thought, memory, or situation could cause you to relax, and as a result then make you feel very relaxed for long periods at a time. So, in short, go listen to your tape. (I've been slacking on it too) I think I'll pop that in right now. I hope this was helpful.
GMarie

Yes it helps. Thank you. I understand it a little better now.