> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/stillness-library/relaxation-and-stress.md). # Relaxation & Stress How to use Stillness Library relaxation practices for stress, decompression, body awareness, and restorative pauses. Relaxation practices can help create deliberate periods of rest and decompression. They may include breathing, progressive relaxation, body awareness, guided imagery, or Yoga Nidra-inspired methods. Use them as wellbeing practices rather than as guarantees of treatment or cure. ## When relaxation practices may help These practices can be useful after a demanding workday, between periods of concentration, before sleep, or whenever the body feels persistently activated. Choose a method that matches the moment: * breathing for a short reset * body awareness for physical tension * guided imagery for mental decompression * Yoga Nidra for deeper rest * progressive relaxation when muscular tension is prominent If inward attention feels uncomfortable, switch to external grounding or gentle movement. ## Related guidance * [Stillness Library](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/stillness-library) * [Choosing a Practice](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/stillness-library/choosing-a-practice) * [Sleep](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/stillness-library/sleep) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/stillness-library/relaxation-and-stress.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.