Relaxation following distress (6)
I believe the answer is:
relief
'relaxation following distress' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for relief that I've seen before include "Cosmos" , "Carving style; financial assistance to the needy" , "Relaxation following distress" , "Lightening up of something" , "Easement from pain or stress" .)