A nurse is teaching a client about meditation and progressive relaxation to reduce stress. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Rationale A. Plan to meditate immediately after meals: Meditating immediately after eating may cause discomfort or drowsiness and can interfere with focus. It is recommended to meditate at a time when the client is alert and not experiencing postprandial fatigue, which supports effective stress reduction. B. Tighten and relax muscles during relaxation therapy: Progressive muscle relaxation involves systematically tensing and then relaxing specific muscle groups to reduce physical tension and stress. This technique promotes awareness of muscle tightness and facilitates overall relaxation, making it an effective component of stress management. C. Keep eyes open during relaxation therapy: Closing the eyes is typically recommended during meditation and relaxation exercises to minimize distractions and enhance focus. Keeping the eyes open can reduce the effectiveness of the therapy by increasing external stimuli and mental engagement. D. Take short and shallow breaths when meditating: Effective meditation and relaxation techniques emphasize slow, deep, and controlled breathing. Short, shallow breaths can increase tension and limit oxygenation, reducing the calming effects of meditation. Deep breathing supports parasympathetic activation and stress reduction.