What are activities like muscle relaxation and meditation commonly referred to as?

Muscle relaxation and meditation are commonly referred to as relaxation techniques because they specifically focus on various practices and methods designed to decrease tension in the body and mind. These techniques aim to promote physical and mental calmness, reducing stress and anxiety. Activities in this category encompass not only meditation but also deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization, all of which serve the purpose of fostering a state of relaxation.

While stress management does include relaxation techniques, it is a broader term that encompasses a variety of approaches and strategies aimed at handling stress effectively. Mindfulness practices focus on being present in the moment and can include meditation, but they also extend to awareness activities that may not directly lead to relaxation. Well-being activities is another general term that can include relaxation techniques, but it encompasses a wider range of practices aimed at promoting overall health and happiness, such as exercise, healthy eating, and social connections. Therefore, in the context of the question, calling these specific activities "relaxation techniques" accurately captures their primary focus of cultivating relaxation and reducing stress.