The Relaxation Response is a stress management technique that helps people reduce their level of physical and mental arousal. It is similar to meditation in that the patient is instructed to sit comfortably with their eyes closed and focus on their breathing. This relaxes the muscles and brings about a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism. The benefits of this practice include greater awareness of the body and the body-mind connection, improved concentration, and more positive approaches to handling stress.