Everyone suffers from stress one way or another, not necessarily in the negative sense of it. In today’s hectic world, stress levels are higher than ever before. The incidence of heart attacks and other stress-related health problems are becoming more frequent. Societal demands are becoming direr and the pressure to make ends meet is enough to bring anyone under the heavyweight of stress.
It has become pertinent, now more than ever, for everyone to arm themselves with techniques and tips that will help them relax despite all of life’s pressing demands. Managing stress skillfully allows you to take control of life’s situation and help you keep the stress in your life in check to make sure it doesn’t have any damaging effect on your health.
An appropriate amount of stress is actually good if we’re to stay motivated and build resilience in our character. However, the thin line is it shouldn’t overwhelm you. The key to successful stress management lies in taking charge: you have to effectively deal with schedule demands, your thoughts, your emotions and occasional situation crises.
When you are in control, you will experience a balanced life coupled with minimal stress. The constant need to work within deadlines may leave you mentally drained. However, applying stress management tips will enable you to identify and improve your overall quality of life.
Stress reduction is a highly worthwhile cause. It impacts your mental, physical and emotional well-being. To manage stress you need to deal with your body’s responses. It comes from awareness of your feelings and emotions. In order to be more aware, you need to listen to your body. Take some time out every day to do this because your body is the instrument to achieve your goals.
Below is a list of ten techniques to help you relax and manage the stress that is applicable to almost everyone. Put these into practice any time you need to escape. Most of these relaxation tips are free and will help provide you with stress relief at any time
- Try deep breathing techniques.
Use deep breathing techniques instead of shallow chest breathing to deal with stress sometimes. With your hand on your abdomen, breathe in and out through your nose and mouth respectively. Repeat several times and feel the stress melt away
- Visualize Positivity
Close your eyes for approximately 5 minutes and let your mind take you to a peaceful or a happy place. You can visualize yourself in a very relaxed place like taking a walk on a beach or bringing back good memories you shared with friends and loved ones.
- Take a quick nap
Taking out a few minutes in the middle of your day to get a quick nap is a great way to relax and unwind. Find a quiet place to cat nap for 10-15 minutes. You may not fall asleep but the simple act of resting your eyes can help you relax a whole lot.
- Go for a massage
Getting a massage is an excellent way to relax whenever you feel stressed out. There are certain reflex points on our hands, feet and at various joints all over our body that will promote relaxation whenever they’re massaged.
- Get organized
By organizing your day and using effective time management strategies you’re better placed to deal with any issues that may come your way any time in the day. Take a few moments to declutter your space, make sure it is well arranged and ensure that your tasks are sorted and executed in the order of their importance.
- Avoid stress causing substances.
Avoid indulging in stress inducing substances like alcohol and drugs. Excessive indulgence with alcohol or drugs may provide an easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary. As these substances wear off, they actually increase your anxiety and depression. Also, reduce the caffeine and sugar you consume. The temporary “highs” caffeine and sugar provide often end with a crash in mood and energy.
- Exercise
Exercise increases your overall health and sense of well-being. This increases your energy level and makes you more physically able to fight off stress. Exercise also releases endorphins into your system which is a feel good chemical that helps your body to relax. . So get started today on an exercise routine that works for you. Start slowly and gradually work up your strength and endurance.
- Eat right.
Eat a healthy diet; a well-nourished body is better prepared to cope with stress. Start your day right with a light and healthy breakfast, like whole grain cereal, yogurt and fruit. Keep your energy level up with small nutritious snacks throughout the day and also aim to eat plenty of whole grains, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables as they help to stabilize blood sugar and also increase serotonin levels, which has a calming effect on the body.
- Get enough sleep.
Sufficient sleep in a day helps to fuel your mind, as well as your body. Whenever you’re well rested, it’s much easier to keep your emotional balance and stress levels low. Feeling tired may cause you to think irrationally, and make bad decisions, further adding to your stress.
- Find your own peace.
You truly are the master of your own life, and you can decide to choose happiness for yourself. Only you can let the stressful events build up, the wall you in, and eventually stop you from enjoying the good things in life. Make it a routine daily to recognize the good things in your life. Think fondly and frequently about the things (and people) that make life worthwhile for you and don’t forget to say a prayer of thanks to your maker every time you get a chance to do so.
Live life to the fullest, be thankful for everyday you’re here.
With Love and gratitude as always, Xo!
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Disclaimer: Please note that I am not your doctor while I am a health coach by profession. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice nor does it establish any kind of medical relationship between you and me. I will not be held liable for any damage resulting from or related to your use of this information.