The university presents these relaxation scripts to students as a natural high and an alternative to drug use. I have no idea how effective they are in that role, but they do help you relax and free your mind of stress and worry.
These audio scripts are safe -- assuming you are not dumb enough to do something like driving while using them. They are also free of any religious or mystical connections. Below are brief descriptions of each of the four free scripts:
Diaphragmatic Breathing
This is a very short lesson in slow and rhythmic breathing and is key to the other scripts. Use this script first and master the art of breathing. It will serve you well in all the other scripts.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
This script teaches you the basics of muscle relaxation. I have been doing something similar for many years. You learn what relaxed muscles feel like by systematically tightening and relaxing them.
Autogenic Training
I was not familiar with this technique until I encountered it here. This is a stress relieving script in which you are guided through a series of instructions to bring awareness and some degree of control to your autonomic nervous system. Autogenic training is meant to produce some of the same effects as meditation or yoga, but without the religious or mystical context.
Guided Imagery
This is probably my favorite of all the free relaxation scripts. It's like taking a mini vacation in your mind. The narrator does a great job of whisking you away to a tropical island by using all your senses to imagine your surroundings. I found myself smiling broadly at the end of the script.
Listen, learn and, relax.
