To handle the stresses of life it helps to be able to relax deeply when stress levels flare.Some muscle tension is a part of life and essential for survival. It is part of the body’s preparation for action. For example, being watchful and alert is essential as you drive along the interstate at 65 miles per hour. In addition, it helps mobilize you to action when, in the middle of the night, you hear the sound of what could be a burglar in the house. Controlled tension keeps athletes sharp so they can win.

Masters of stress are able to focus their tension and hold it until the action needed is completed. An example is a golf swing. For a good golf swing, you cannot be too relaxed, flopping wildly here and there. Your tempo needs to be perfect and to do this, tension must be distributed throughout the right parts of the body, at just the right time. Gripping too tight could lead you into a water hazard. Control of tension is essential. Too much or too little, and performance suffers.