Progressive Muscle Relaxation: An Essential Anxiety Skill #27 

Ok! I don't know you, but I love you. I've gone from 2-3 hours of sleep to 4-5 hours. Thank you

I've been doing this everyday along with 5 minutes of tapping to reduce my anxiety. Its something I genuinely look forward to, if I miss a day it's the same sensation as missing a day of brushing my teeth or not showering.

My favorite on the internet for relaxation response.peaceful, soft and gentle voice promotes relation.

I need to start doing this every day! Thank you

...Moreover, mentally I relaxed to; teams came running down my checks, when lying here on the floor this early morning: Your voice combined with the body relax made it...I am very sad thesse days and alone with noone to cry to..So thank Tou again !❤️

my therapist showed this to me today, and i went to another dimension. im saving this so i can use it whenever i need to

Love this practice! As a therapist myself I put this into practice regularly and also teach this to the clients I work with. It is one of many skills/tools I use personally as well as teach!

Thank you for sharing this mediation ! I didn’t know I was capable of doing this and now I am going to practice this exercice more regularly ! Thank you so much ☺️

I would like to share my experience with this, because it was so profound and intense for me. I don't usually try to get the attention of people with lots of followers because I respect their time and don't think they should feel obligated to respond to everyone and everything. However, I do hope Emma is able to read this. First of all, the music was sooo beautiful. Sometimes videos like these can have unenjoyable music (in my opinion), so I was surprised that all 3 songs were so moving. Especially the first one. I'm typically intensely emotionally affected and moved by music, so part of the reason I was basically sobbing the whole time was because of the resonance between the music and I. But what is more interesting is that I know the music was not the only thing that was connecting with me. The muscle tensing is something I associate so much with my anger, which later in life revealed itself to actually just be deep intense pain and unhealed trauma. Any time I have EVER tensed my muscles like that, it was during an episode of spiraling and losing sight of reality in the process. So when the tensing started to get to the upper legs and pelvis, and *especially* in the abdomen, chest, and face, immediately I felt like I was bringing up feelings I have when I've had those spiraling experiences (which, since my teens up until my mid 30's have occurred on a semi-regular basis.) It wasn't re-traumatizing at all. It was painful, but somehow there was a strong element of bliss. However the truly striking part about this is that... all my life, my "episodes" have, in the end, just been me crying out for love and support and being seen/heard. "Mommy issues," if you like. So, for the FIRST TIME, in my LIFE, during this meditation, I felt SAFE to feel these feelings. I was being ALLOWED to "get angry" and "get emotional." Without actually being *triggered* by that anger. It was like I was being allowed to let it flow through me because I wasn't putting me or anyone else in danger. I got this deep sense of being affirmed that how I feel is okay, and that I am seen and loved regardless. I want to emphasize how much this wasn't actually me feeling anger in the way I would in a spiraling/unconscious episode. In those episodes I am constantly resisting what I feel. In this sitting and setting, I let it flow, like a boat down a river, effortlessly. Instead of the usual thing where I would normally spend the entire episode insisting that I am a victim of true injustice and cruelty, inflicted by circumstances or a person or what have you. Which, metaphorically could be me trying to stop that boat from floating by and instead jumping on board and fighting the crew members. I am going to be repeating this meditation every single day. I currently do a mantra meditation, and will probably continue that, but...holy shit. This was powerful. See, I never wanted to do this kind of meditation because I was *afraid* of tensing my muscles, because of the deep association with freaking out and feeling immense amount of emotional pain. But now I understand that bringing the muscle tensing and relaxing in *outside* of the context of feeling triggered is intensely healing. One time through and I already feel a healing take place. And that RARELY happens with me. THANK YOU EMMA!!!!!!!!!

I had a recent encounter with sleep paralysis and hadnt been able to sleep without checking my souroundings every 5 minutes but this video helped thanks! 🙏

I absolutely loved this! I'd heard about progressive muscle relaxation, but didn't really know how to go about doing it. Your instructions were so clear and calm and I can see myself using this every night before bed, or even when I wake up in the night and can't get back to sleep. Such a valuable tool, thank you so much Emma!

This is so helpful and the background music adds to the restful quality. My only suggestion is that you need to do another one, Emma! I need 20-30 minutes! Please do another one that's slower and longer. Slowing down your rate of speech would also be more relaxing. Thanks

When I tense up my whole body, I toot sometimes. It makes me laugh. Thanks Emma.

As someone who's had anxiety so bad that they had to call an ambulance, this works really well. It's pretty hard to be anxious when your body is relaxed. This has really helped me and I listen to it nearly everyday

This really did help me. I can't stress enough to say thank you. Thank you!

Hi emma! I am currently taking one of your courses which has this video in it. I use it every morning (sometimes twice) and every night! ive never tried anything like this before so I was shook at how well it works. I suffer from major back pain issues and it helped me kinda control and shut off muscles that are over stimulated from constant tension from anxiety.

This video really helps calm my mental health and makes me feel much better after a stressful day. The voice is calming, the music is relaxing and it is overall just a peaceful video. I actually had tears roll down my cheeks the first time I listened to this video, because after all the stress and tension was removed I could no longer hold back the tears I was keeping in. Thank you ❤

Your kind voice makes it a little bit easier to get through each day and brings us all a bit more strength/resilience within. Thank you kindly from the bottom of my heart. Take care :)

I’m a social worker and even when I have an easy day I still tense up. Idk why. But this helped me today.

Hi Emma. This has immensely helped me. Thank you. Although I am a pulmonologist I have started to show these techniques to some of my patients also

I did this for the first time after a very stressful day. I actually broke out in tears at the end. I truly felt the tension and anxiety leave my body. Thank you so very much. 💗🙏🏻💗🙏🏻

This is a brief but very effective exercise. Will be doing it again!

I kept my eyes open and enjoyed your beautiful pictures.

This works so well for my health anxiety!

Don't know why but I'm half laughing half crying after this excersize.

The best exercise for relaxing my body. Thanks so much!!

Woa man. Thats super helpful. Sometimes I think relaxing is just sitting still, but you actually gotta relax. Sitting still worrying vs. Actually relaxing and recovering.

First time trying this kind of meditation, really worked for me.

emma, you express so much love and kindness, just listening to your voice has a healing effect on me. thanks for posting your wonderful videos; they are acts of unselfed love

I did it before! And it works so well! Thanks for reminding! I feel so grateful for all the videos you share with us! You make an awesome work!

The best one i have tried very effective thanks 😊

Congratulations, really it helps a lot, first I start laughing cause I feel good, then I cried and cried a lot, it seems that I'm getting rid of the accumulated anxieties I have experienced, thank you so very much ❤

I was very hesitant to do this one as I usuallly prefer the normal body scan.. However making my way up, when I got to my hands and arms, this immediate want to push as hard as possible became presents.. and upon releasing the tension in my hands, I began to tear up, and especially wiith the arms and bicepts, more tears buut even more intense. This was very unexpected but felt great!

Because of you, i finally got to therapy. Im thrilled. My therapist was telling me about the vagas nerve which i am familiar with because of you. Then she suggested i try progressive muscle relaxation. I youtubed it and there you were!!! I am doing my best to learn and practice. Thank you again.

Thanks!

Adverts keep popping up towards the end, but not on there today, thanks for keeping an eye on this

I think I've reached my goal. I don't need to do the exercice anymore. I just open the video and I imediately start yawning 😅😂. Thank you so much. It's been a life or a night savior!

Hey m patient of major depressivs disorder with cluster B personality traits can u all please pray for me

This works so well it’s so relaxing it’s nice to do it before going to bed

I feel like sleeping after doing this. Does this mean it’s working?

This would be twice as good if you could have a video inset atop a corner of the video showing how the muscles and body parts should be positioned and tightened. Any chance this could be done? Thank you!

Thank You! I just did not know just how much tension I had my body.

This is by far one of the best guided progressive muscle relaxation videos! Thank you so much 🙏🏽

That is amazing! I have trouble with anxiety and it really helped calm me down

Loved this...I feel sooo relaxed...thank u!

This is an absolute gem. THANK YOU for posting.

Thank you. Really reset my day.

Thanks!

Thank you for this session. I practice the muscle relaxation at least once a day and it helps me release tension. I am also more aware of when I tense throughout the day and can release a bit of this tension through deep breathing.

Thank you so much for taking the time and care.. ! This is such a useful skill when times are troubling and I appreciate your instructions. All the best from France.. !

Thanks Emma that’s lovely - please can you do one with sleep music after it? TIA. X

Thanks Emma, thank you so much.

It’s been a great benefit on helping me to lower my blood pressure

----------------------------- Log (Before and After) 1-10: No records 11: Shoulder Pain -> Less/None ----------------------------- Notes 1. I find this deeply cathartic. Esp. the neck and face part. 2. What does strain feel like? 3. "Relaxation" feels pleasurable

Thank you Emma,this one is good for me

This a brilliant physical exercise n it really works thank u

Emma, you have such a beautiful voice!

My therapist recommended you!

i have ocd about death and health / anxety/ panic attacks, and my therapist suggested to me to practice this PMR twice a week. and i have experienced several traumatic events since my childhood, so she told me i need to think about my passt whenever i practice it. So sometimes i start crying when i tense my body. Does that mean im recovering?

I'm new going to try this.

Thank you so much for this and for all of your work 🙏🏻♥️

...And Yoy have a good voice and intonation for this ! Very relaxing in it self...I have used this rehearsal with other teachers, but I find thus veing the best...I shall listen again now 👍🌝❤️

Thank you for this :) do you have video about obsessive thoughts and compulsions and derealization?

Thank you so much for this practice

This is great relaxation video!

thank you the entire dayup to this point of em finding thsi vid was tough as if i was stuck on the same feelings for so long and this helped relife some of those feelings

Thank you, this really helped 🤗

short and efficient, thanks

Excellent progressive muscle relaxation

This is amazing it actually worked!

🙏🪷🙏💕beautiful , Thank you.

Thank you ❤️

this was easier at4am on .75 speed. i couldn't keep up

Thank you so much for this! ❤❤❤❤❤

Thanks for sharing

HUH, thank you so much for this gift. Much love unto you. I almost lost my mind dealing with muscle tension even an hour-long massage does not help, But I just tried your video once and I feel a great relief already. What a blessing. Thank you so much.

Thank You Emma

I love this ❤

This is so helpful. Thank you.

Good explained to others 😮

Great exercise, this really helps me relax! 👍

Thank you for this relaxation video.. I have this problem when anxiety is triggered by fear, scared, or afraid breathing out comes out too abruptly and somehow it is done using mouth. In worst anxiety breathing in becomes difficult and also sensing breathing in unnaturally by mouth,unable to breathe out and hold on to breathe or breathe out abruptly in a sec by mouth. It's been like this for tens of years in bouts of anxiety period when it's triggered and I only notice it getting more serious recently. What if this video does not help when anxiety comes I just naturally stop at 'hold breathe part' ? Any advise on what might have worked for others are Greatly Appreciated!

Amazing 🤗

This is a terrific composition. A comparable book I read was like a breath of fresh air. "A Life Unplugged: Reclaiming Reality in a Digital Age" by Theodore Blaze

i'm falling asleep/// this is helpfull... i feel it

Thank you!! This was nice

Right now, Thank Youu for this, I need it ! - next time would You please turn up the sound rekorder a bit ? Namaste, Annabella in DK🌳

I just love Emma🙏🏽💞

Is it ok to do these exercises right before bed ? Actually performing them while In your bed ?? Thanks 🙏 n advance

I feel Anxious and Panick for While I don't know what to do When I Open Utude I Noticed This video Helps me Soo much tq Soo much ❤️

THANK YOU 👍❤😊

Love this

Thank you. I am going to do this on a dairy basis.

I've been tricked into hypnosis,I didn't care for that when I found out,good job Emma

Live it

Ahhhhhh…thank you!

It works Thanks

❤more please

Why is it that when I do this at the end my heart is racing and I feel kind of anxious? Same thing happens when I meditate. My heart rate goes up about 10 BPM

I have over tight pelvic floor muscles will it no make them worse