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No appointment necessary these days and times

MGH Cox 5
55 Fruit Street, Boston
T, Th, F: 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.
W: 1-3 p.m.

Chelsea Health Center
151 Everett Avenue, Chelsea
T: 1:30- 3:30 p.m.
Th: 3-6 p.m.



Take a deep breath
Chronic stress can cause bad habits, such as excessive smoking and drinking and compulsive overeating — all behaviors that are detrimental to one’s health. The relaxation response is one technique that has been found to reduce stress.

The following is the generic technique of the relaxation response taught at the Benson-Henry Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital:
  1. Pick a focus word, short phrase or prayer, such as “peace.”

  2. Sit quietly in a comfortable position.

  3. Close your eyes.

  4. Relax your muscles, progressing from your feet to your calves, thighs, abdomen, shoulders, head and neck.

  5. Breathe slowly and naturally.

  6. Don’t worry if thoughts intrude. Dispel them and continue.

  7. Repeat your focus word, phrase, or prayer silently to yourself as you exhale.

  8. Continue for 10 to 20 minutes.

  9. Practice the technique once or twice daily. Good times to do so are before breakfast and before dinner.
For more information visit massgeneral.org/MindBody