Relaxation techniques influence the autonomic nervous system by reducing which of the following?

• A. Increases sympathetic arousal.
• B. Decreases sympathetic arousal and reduces cortisol.
• C. No change.
• D. Only affects digestion.

Answer: (B)

Relaxation techniques calm the body by shifting the autonomic nervous system away from the sympathetic “fight-or-flight” mode toward the parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” state. When sympathetic activity decreases, heart rate and blood pressure tend to fall and catecholamine release drops. At the same time, reduced perceived stress dampens the HPA axis, leading to lower cortisol levels. This combination—reduced sympathetic arousal and lower cortisol—best fits how relaxation affects the body. The other ideas don’t align with what relaxation does: increasing arousal is the opposite of what relaxation achieves, saying there’s no change ignores the clear autonomic shifts, and claiming it only affects digestion overlooks the broader impact on both the sympathetic system and stress hormone output.