Ahhhh! Time to relax! Get a cold or hot drink, watch some TV or grab a mystery or a romance novel, kick your feet up. Who could ask for more, Right? Wrong! These activities, including the sugared and hi-carb drinks do little to reduce the damaging effects of stress. A new term has been coined by physiological and psychological researchers: “The Relaxation Response.” This means: learning to develop a state of deep calmness that is the polar opposite of the stress response. Kira and Bill Van Ittersum discuss the benefits of relaxation techniques and give some tips about learning them safely and easily. Links: Relaxation Techniques: Try these steps to reduce stress by Mayo Clinic Staff http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/relaxation-technique/art-20045368 10 Relaxation Techniques That Zap Stress Fast by Jeannette Moninger http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/blissing-out-10-relaxation-techniques-reduce-stress-spot Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief: Finding the Relaxation Exercises That Work for You by Lawrence Robinson, Robert Segal, M.A., Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Melinda Smith, M.A. http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief.htm Relaxation Techniques: Breath control helps quell errant stress response by The Family Health Guide http://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response Relaxation Techniques for Health: What You Need To Know U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/National Institutes of Health (NIH) https://nccih.nih.gov/health/stress/relaxation.htm