One of the easiest techniques for improving physical relaxation is Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) or autogenics.
Composed of auto- (from the Greek autos, self) and -genous (a suffix meaning produced by, and reflecting the word genesis, creation), the word was chosen by Johannes Schultz, a German doctor, to describe his original discovery in 1932. Today, autogenics training teaches you to create a feeling of warmth and heaviness throughout your body, thereby experiencing a state of physical relaxation, and mental peace.
You can use autogenics to overcome addictions (such as smoking or gambling), change unwanted behaviors (such as nail biting), resolve anxieties (such as fear of flying), and mitigate symptoms of physical pain.
Be advised, however, that there is nothing "mystical" about this training. It's pure physiology. The purpose of this training is to learn how to communicate with your body so as to take personal responsibility for your life.
