release tension
Ease the strain
Release tension describes letting go of physical tightness or emotional strain.
Muscles release tension when they relax after being clenched.
A massage or stretch can release tension in the shoulders.
The phrase extends to situations: a joke releases tension in an awkward room, or crying releases tension that's been building.
I went for a run to release some tension.
- unwindRelease accumulated tension
- relaxBecome less tense
- stress reliefReduction of mental tension
- exhaleExpel breath outward
- breatheExchange air through lungs
take a breath · loosen · decompress · let it go · massage · stretch · sigh · melt · nervous energy · soften · knead · yoga · meditation · mental break · shoulders · neck · muscles · knots
- calmingcalm, calm down, soothe, relax, pacify
- calming phrasesstay calm, calm down, relax, keep your cool, take it easy
- mindfulnessmindfulness, meditation, meditate, breathe, breath
- self-carebathing, self-care, renewal, brushing teeth, bath bombs
release tensiontense up
Become rigid from stress
tighten up · clench · stiffen · brace · seize up
release tensionput on a brave face
Pretend confidence despite anxiety
grin and bear it · keep a stiff upper lip · bite your tongue
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