What happens to stress hormones during the Relaxation Response?

During the Relaxation Response, stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are known to decrease. This physiological response is characterized by a state of deep rest that counters the stress-induced activation of the body’s fight-or-flight response. When a person engages in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness, the body's sympathetic nervous system is calmed, leading to a reduction in these stress hormones.

This reduction is crucial for fostering a sense of well-being and can also contribute to various health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, reduced muscle tension, and improved mood. The Relaxation Response serves as a vital mechanism for promoting resilience against stress, allowing individuals to manage anxiety and improve overall mental health.

The other options, such as the idea that stress hormones might increase significantly or remain unchanged, do not accurately reflect the well-documented effects of relaxation methods on hormone levels. Fluctuations in hormone levels would suggest inconsistency in the body’s response to relaxation techniques, which is not the established understanding in stress response research.