Feeling stressed and overscheduled? The holidays are over but the stress you experienced while rushing about trying to meet obligations, deadlines and the expectations of others could linger in the form of illness, fatigue and increased symptoms of health issues you may already have.

It is estimated that 60 to 90 percent of all medical office visits in the US are for stress-related disorders. In response, many clinics and hospitals around the country now integrate relaxation techniques into their healthcare programs.

Studies show that with consistent practice, relaxation techniques can potentially reduce symptoms or improve outcomes in the following conditions:

* premenstrual syndrome
* pain
* irritable bowel syndrome
* anxiety
* infertility
* high blood pressure
* high cholesterol
* diabetes
* panic disorders
* chronic tension headaches
* fibromyalgia
* insomnia
* psoriasis
* arthritis
* hyperactivity in children, as in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

The three major types of relaxation techniques are:
*Autogenic training
*Progressive muscle relaxation
*Meditation

For more information on learning relaxation techniques and a list of healthcare facilities in the US that incorporate them into their healthcare programs visit The University of Maryland Medical Center website.