This is your Member Reference Number (MRN). You’ll need to provide this when you make an appointment with an MAP counselor or contact your MAP by phone.

Anthem provides automatic translation into multiple languages, courtesy of Google Translate. This tool is provided for your convenience only. The English language version is considered the most accurate, and in the event of a discrepancy between the translations, the English version will prevail. This translation tool is not controlled by Anthem, and the Anthem Privacy Statement will not apply. Please read Google's privacy statement. If you want Google to translate the Anthem website, select a language.

Benefits with Southern California Laborers

Your MAP offers these great resources.

Relaxation Techniques for Stress

When you sense danger, your body quickly raises its heart rate and focuses your attention. Stress is crucial to survival. Over the long term, however, too much stress can contribute to health problems, including heart disease, digestive disorders, and headaches.

Researchers are exploring whether relaxation techniques can counteract the effects of stress. These techniques often combine breathing and focused attention to calm the mind and body. They are generally safe, but so far there's only limited evidence that they can help with specific health conditions. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports several studies to learn more about how relaxation techniques can affect human health.

Relaxation techniques include progressive relaxation, biofeedback, guided imagery, self-hypnosis, and deep-breathing exercises. They're best combined with good nutrition, regular exercise, and a strong social support system.

You can learn and practice many relaxation techniques on your own. Most require only brief instruction before you can do them.

Talk to your health care provider if you're thinking about trying a relaxation technique for a particular health condition. Relaxation techniques aren't a replacement for medical care.

Wein, H. (Ed.). (2013, February). Health capsule: Relaxation techniques for stress? NIH News in Health. Bethesda, MD: U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Retrieved June 29, 2022, from https://newsinhealth.nih.gov

More about this Topics

  • Community Violence: The Effects on Children and Teens

  • Common Reactions After Trauma (Part 1)

  • Traumatic Incident Stress for First Responders

  • The Preventable Death

  • Managing Political Anxiety

Other Topics

    • Virtual Roundtable & Elder Care: How to Support Those in Isolation and Stay Connected
    • Providing Compassionate Support to Refugee Hosts
    • Creating Hope Through Action (World Suicide Prevention Day 2022)
    • Better Relations between Men and Women (International Men's Day)
    • Parenting: Navigating in the Eye of the Storm
    • Pinpointing Your Sleep Problem
    • Recognizing an eating disorder
    • Managing holiday stress
    • Daily Relaxation Tools
    • Teens and Depression
    • Wildfires
    • The Mental Health Benefits of Staying Organized
    • Coping with Financial Stress
    • Emotions and Health: The Mind-Body Connection
    • Humor and Laughter Strengthens Relationships