Final answer:
Conscious breathing is the shortcut to turning off stress and activating a relaxation response, which can be supplemented with meditation and a focused, peaceful environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The shortcut to turn off stress and activate a physiological relaxation response is Conscious breathing. Techniques for effectively managing stress and inducing the relaxation response can include sitting upright in a comfortable chair with feet on the ground, being in a quiet environment with eyes closed, using a mantra such as “alert mind, calm body,” and passively allowing the mind to focus on pleasant thoughts. Other stress reduction techniques may incorporate exercise, meditation, and biofeedback as ways to combat stress.
Herbert Benson, a cardiologist, developed the relaxation response technique in the 1970s. This method helps to reduce sympathetic arousal and has been used effectively to treat conditions such as high blood pressure. It's important to find a peaceful setting and allow oneself the space to relax and focus on the present moment when practicing conscious breathing and meditation for stress reduction.