Relaxation stands quite generally for a release of tension, a return to equilibrium. In the sciences, the term is used in the following ways: * Relaxation (physics), and more in particular: ** Relaxation (NMR), processes by which nuclear magnetization returns to the equilibrium distribution **

Dielectric relaxation In electromagnetism, a dielectric (or dielectric medium) is an electrical insulator that can be polarised by an applied electric field. When a dielectric material is placed in an electric field, electric charges do not flow through the mater ...

, the delay in the dielectric constant of a material **

Vibrational energy relaxation Vibrational energy relaxation, or vibrational population relaxation, is a process in which the population distribution of molecules in quantum states of high energy level caused by an external perturbation returns to the Maxwell–Boltzmann distr ...

, the process by which molecules in high energy quantum states return to the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution ** Chemical relaxation methods, related to temperature jump ** Relaxation oscillator, a type of

electronic oscillator An electronic oscillator is an electronic circuit that produces a periodic, oscillation, oscillating electronic signal, often a sine wave or a square wave or a triangle wave. Oscillation, Oscillators convert direct current (DC) from a power supp ...

In mathematics: :*

Relaxation (approximation) In mathematical optimization and related fields, relaxation is a modeling strategy. A relaxation is an approximation of a difficult problem by a nearby problem that is easier to solve. A solution of the relaxed problem provides information about t ...

, a technique for transforming hard constraints into easier ones :*

Relaxation (iterative method) In numerical mathematics, relaxation methods are iterative methods for solving systems of equations, including nonlinear systems. Relaxation methods were developed for solving large sparse linear systems, which arose as finite-difference discret ...

, a technique for the numerical solution of equations :* Relaxation (extension method), a technique for a natural extension in mathematical optimization or variational problems In computer science: :*

Relaxation (computing) In computing, a linker or link editor is a computer system program that takes one or more object files (generated by a compiler or an assembler) and combines them into a single executable file, library file, or another "object" file. A simple ...

, the act of substituting alternative program code during linking In

physiology Physiology (; ) is the scientific study of functions and mechanisms in a living system. As a sub-discipline of biology, physiology focuses on how organisms, organ systems, individual organs, cells, and biomolecules carry out the chemical ...

, hypnosis,

meditation Meditation is a practice in which an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally cal ...

recreation Recreation is an activity of leisure, leisure being discretionary time. The "need to do something for recreation" is an essential element of human biology and psychology. Recreational activities are often done for enjoyment, amusement, or pleasur ...

: * Relaxation (psychology), the emotional state of low tension *

Relaxation technique A relaxation technique (also known as relaxation training) is any method, process, procedure, or activity that helps a person to relax; to attain a state of increased calmness; or otherwise reduce levels of pain, anxiety, stress or anger. Relaxa ...

, an activity that helps a person to relax *Relaxation can induced using breathing techniques. Long exhalation creates a relaxed pose. Making the temple of head and the upper lips relaxed helps keep a relaxed state. In ecclesiastical law: * relaxation in person, transfer of a condemned person so that secular authorities execute a death sentence

See also