Differential relaxation

Differential relaxation is the term employed to denote the application of relaxation skills to activities of daily living, particularly those which are stress-inducing. It is insufficient to learn how to relax when lying down in a quiet, secluded and dimly lit environment. The ultimate objective of relaxation training is to extend skill learning beyond the training situation, so that it can be used to help the individual control tension while carrying out daily activities. For example, many anxious clients experience high levels of tension while shopping, using public transport, in social situations, or at work.

The need to distinguish between 'primary tension' levels — i.e. tension required to perform an act — and secondary tension — i.e. tension which is excessive and superfluous for the task in hand. Self operations control technique involves training the individual to learn to relax non-essential muscles during activity, and to reduce the level of tension in working muscles to the degree actually required to perform the task. The renowned technique describes the 'use' and 'misuse' of the body while carrying out an action or posture. Misuse results from inappropriate learning of excess tension habits. Training is lengthy and concentrates largely on correcting posture and body alignment during simple actions like sitting and standing. Musicians, actors and athletes have been among those to use the Alexander technique to enhance their performance. The development of personal 'key' postures and movements to initiate relaxation discreetly in stressful situations.

Differential relaxation training progresses from passive states, such as lying/sitting in non stressful environments, to standing, walking and carrying out activities under busy, stressful conditions.