Which technique is primarily used to reduce stress and promote calm?

The technique that is primarily used to reduce stress and promote calm is relaxation exercises. These exercises are specifically designed to help individuals lower their levels of anxiety and stress. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery fall under this category and are effective in fostering a state of relaxation.

By engaging in relaxation exercises, individuals can consciously activate their body's relaxation response, which effectively counteracts the stress response. This process helps to decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduce muscle tension, creating a sense of calm and well-being.

While exercise, meditation, and nutrition also play vital roles in overall health and wellness, they do not specifically target the immediate goal of relaxation in the same way as relaxation exercises do. Exercise can reduce stress in a broader context by promoting physical fitness and releasing endorphins, while meditation can also help in achieving a calm state but is often more focused on mindfulness and awareness than on relaxation per se. Nutrition supports overall mental health and physical well-being but does not directly facilitate immediate stress reduction.