Hiccups can be irritating, even exhausting. This relaxation for getting rid of hiccups can help make hiccups go away.

This relaxation technique involves three things for getting rid of hiccups: slow breathing, mental focus, and muscle relaxation. Usually these techniques stop hiccups within a minute or two.

This is a quick relaxation technique, even if you don't have hiccups, to quickly calm your breathing and relax your muscles.

This peaceful desert river relaxation exercise describes a peaceful river in a desert valley. Imagining being in nature and floating down the slow, shallow river in a boat can allow you to relax.

This relaxation exercise will help you calm your thoughts and relax your body while imagining a quiet evening with a slowly darkening sky. You can use this relaxation exercise any time you want to go to sleep.

Progressive muscle relaxation, or PMR, is an exercise that involves gently tightening and then releasing a muscle or muscle group. Actively increasing tension and then allowing the tension to release can help muscles relax. This type of exercise is done by relaxing one muscle group at a time, and progressing through each area of the body until all the muscles are relaxed. This is why it is a progressive muscle relaxation.

Remember the following safety considerations for any relaxation exercise.

• None of the movements should cause pain or discomfort.
• Do each exercise gently, only tightening an area until you feel tension (not pain) in the muscle.
• Avoid any movements that would be risky for you. For example, if you have an injury, avoid tensing the muscles in that area. Just think about relaxing the area without tensing it first.
• Listen to your body, and don't do anything that is uncomfortable.

You will probably experience a reduction in muscle tension and will feel more relaxed, but you will still experience the benefits of relaxation even if you feel the same.

If you have been working or studying and need to take a quick and restful break, follow along with this guided relaxation exercise to take a quick stretch.

Breaks can help you focus. Sitting for long periods of time is unhealthy, and it is important to take regular breaks to move around.

When you follow along with this guided study break, avoid any movements that cause discomfort or pain. Make sure to listen to your body. Only stretch until you feel a slight lengthening of the muscle. The stretches should not be painful. If any stretch feels uncomfortable, ease up until you find a comfortable position, and stop if you need to.