How to Calm Someone Who Is Tense

Relaxing a tense person without using drugs is a useful skill in today's hectic world. Relaxation techniques that are effective in reducing the severity of panic attacks can also be used for calming a tense person. Once these techniques are learned, the practitioner becomes more aware of stress symptoms that can lead to unwanted tension, and he has the mental tools needed to solve the problem.

Instructions

• 1

  Instruct the tense person to manipulate muscles. Tensing and relaxing muscle groups can have a calming effect on the mind and body. Ask the person to start with the toes and move up to the head and neck, or start at the top of the body and move downward, if that is more comfortable for the subject. Instruct the person to take a deep breath when tightening each muscle group, hold each muscle tight for three seconds and then release the breath when relaxing the muscle.

• 2

  Ask the tense person to slow down his breathing. According to WebMD, "This may best be done blowing out every breath through pursed lips as if blowing out a candle." The breathing should be controlled, but relaxed. Request that the person place his hands on his stomach while he breathes in and out. This gives the person a better idea of the breathing rate and increases the focus level.

• 3

  Tell the tense person to close his eyes and visualize a calming image or sound. Ask the person what image or sound brings to mind peace and tranquility. If the subject's imagination fails, select an image or sound for the person to focus on, such as a tropical beach, the sound of waves crashing on that beach or a blue sky with clouds.