What stress management technique focuses on calming the mind and body?

Relaxation techniques are specifically designed to calm both the mind and body by reducing tension and promoting a state of tranquility. These methods includes practices such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, and guided imagery, all of which aim to create a physiological response that lowers stress levels.

The effectiveness of relaxation techniques lies in their ability to activate the body's relaxation response, counteracting the stress response and helping to alleviate symptoms of stress. These techniques are based on the understanding that mental and physical states are interconnected, and that calming the mind can lead to physical relaxation and vice versa.

In contrast, the other options focus on different areas of stress management. Time management involves organizing and planning tasks to reduce anxiety stemming from feeling overwhelmed. Task delegation is about distributing responsibilities to lighten one's load. Social comparison involves evaluating oneself in relation to others, which could potentially increase stress rather than alleviate it. Thus, relaxation techniques are uniquely focused on directly calming the mind and body.