Which group of techniques is used to reduce somatic anxiety?

• A. Diet changes
• B. Sleep deprivation
• C. Techniques that alter breathing and muscle tension
• D. Resistance training

Answer: (C)

Somatic anxiety is the physical side of anxiety—the tense muscles, rapid or uneven breathing, and a racing heart that a person feels in the body. Techniques that alter breathing and muscle tension directly calm these bodily responses. Slow, controlled breathing helps regulate the breath, lowers heart rate, and reduces overall arousal, signaling the body to move toward a more relaxed state. Progressive muscle relaxation works by systematically tensing and then releasing muscle groups, which reduces muscle tension and the sense of physical stress. Together, these methods address the immediate bodily sensations of anxiety more effectively than changing diet or trying to cope with sleep deprivation, and they’re more targeted for quick relief than general resistance training, which boosts fitness and mood but doesn’t specifically target the body’s acute anxious responses.