Relaxation procedures (synonym: relaxation techniques, relaxation methods) are practice procedures to reduce physical and mental tension or arousal. Physical relaxation and the experience of serenity, satisfaction and well-being are closely linked.
Relaxation procedures are used as treatment procedures in psychotherapy and generally for psycho-hygiene. There are ritualized settings for the practice of relaxation procedures, in which a certain duration of the exercise with defined exercise phases, a certain physical posture, mostly sitting or lying down, and the concentration on certain ideas or feelings are specified.