Pasifika Futures’ Ngalu Fānifo segment on 531 PI recently focused on the use of “progressive muscle relaxation” exercises to help ease stress and anxiety.

This practical approach is a way people can take a moment in their day to check in with their body, says Etu Pasifika Clinical Psychologist, Peati Mene-Vaele.

“It’s about tuning into yourself, checking in with your body, teaching yourself how to progressively relax, going through each body muscle group and noticing the tension.”

She emphasizes that any tension felt may be related to stress, anxiety or lack of sleep, therefore reinforcing the importance of helping yourself relax.

“Progressive muscle relaxation is a really easy relaxation technique that you can use in the comfort of your own home or you can do it out in public.

What you do is actually go through each muscle group in the body and it’s about tensing each muscle group and then progressively releasing and bringing on that sense of relaxation.”

She encourages people to pause during their day, find a nice quiet space and practice the wellness exercise as a means of releasing any stress felt during the day.

See the full Ngalu Fānifo segment here. The segment is once a week every Wednesday on 531’s Pacific Days Show with Ma’a Brian Sagala at 12:40pm. You can listen in on the radio or livestream on the 531 Facebook page.

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Date: Friday 27 May 2022