Stress Relief
Maintaining A Calm And Happy Environment

Stress kills. The need for stress relief in modern times is immense and no matter how you look at it stress can be dangerous.

Life will always have it's ups and downs, but some people can deal with the rough times a little better than others and then there are just can't seem to cope with spilling a drink.

The key is to have a game plan, self awareness and the tools to combat adversity. Every hard working person deserves to have a happy productive life and the negativity of stress can hinder one's ability to reach their maximum potential.

Here are 21 Solutions that should help.

1. Deep Breathing

Deep breathing helps combat stress by oxygenating the blood and invigorating the body/mind. Breathing is a must have tool in the battle for a less stressful lifestyle and there are easy to learn breathing techniques available to help.

2. Emotional Control

Emotions can at times cloud judgement and exacerbate problems creating irrational stress. Unless we have a measure of control over our emotions we can be slaves to them.

The importance of emotional control carries into all areas of life, so taking steps be strong and control one's self is an important factor in achieving a reduced stress lifestyle.

3. Meditation

Meditation is as old as it is popular and it's popular for a good reason - It works.

A clear mind or a supremely focused mind mixed with a relaxing pose in a quiet happy place creates a great stress relief mechanism and should be recommended to anyone attempting to reduce stress.

4. Hot Bath

What could possibly reduce tension throughout the body better than a nice steaming hot bath? - Nothing right.

When you have the worst possible day and you are sore, tired and stressed then the best remedy is an hour in the tub. It's also a nice thing to do for a loved one who has had a rough day, run them a bath as a show of consideration.

5. Quiet Time

When pressured, loud noises, screaming kids, thumping music or anything irritating can add unnecessary stress, so seek solitude and if your house isn't going to be quiet any time soon seek solace somewhere away from the noise.

Try the library or a nice cafe. A ten minute walk or a seat under a tree can really help.

6. Get A Pet

Did you know that people with pets live longer - so get a healthy, happy new addition to your family and reap the benefits of having an entertaining and warm home.

7. Chew Gum

Ugh! - You say - Well hold the lament for a brief moment because gum chewing really relieves stress, calms the nerves and burns an additional 11 calories an hour.

It also help you focus on whatever it is you are doing so....... chew some gum, relax and burn a few extra kilojoules why not?.

8. Think Pink

The benefits of colors on moods are well documented and at times grossly exaggerated, however they don't stick violent offenders in pink holding rooms for no apparent reason.

The color pink has a gentle calming effect and is another useful little tool for stress relief, so think pink - especially the boys.

9. Escapism

If you can't be there be square, square eyes that is. A nice movie or a tv show can let us escape for an hour or two when we need it most.

That is not to say you should escape all your problems, not at all, problems that need immediate attention need to be dealt with as procrastination only creates more stress, but for those things that just can't be dealt with right now a little escapism is a nice harmless stress relief device.

10. Be Organized

This is a preemptive strategy. By getting all the things done that you need to, you beat the procrastination fairy and avoid a lot of potential problems.

Panic often sets in when we leave something too late and the results seem catastrophic and the last minute panic to fix things is nightmarish. Be proactive and be organized.

11. Appreciation

Learn to appreciate the things you have, this way you learn to have an important, positive outlook with something always to cherish.

People who only see life in terms of what they don't have find things to be bitter about, creating more stress for themselves(and others around them).

Love all the people, experiences and things in your life that make you happy and your positive attitude and the reciprocation will get you through times of trouble.

12. Laughter Is The Best Medicine

It's true what they say it really is. Watch a funny movie, learn some new jokes or just clown around and you will release powerful endorphins into your system.

Endorphins are a group of peptide hormones that reduce both stress and the ability to feel pain. So alleviate your mood with a good laugh it really a great solution for stress relief.

13. Turn On The Music

The universal language of music has many physical and psychological benefits.

Music can lift peoples moods and motivate them, studies have found that it can have a profound effect on some peoples moods including joy, anger, depression and calmness.

Of course leave out the angry beats or the depressing ballads and listen to your favorite uplifting songs and enjoy the positive benefits.

14. Get Adequate Sleep

Pop quiz - Who has the better attitude the tired, lethargic person or the energetic and well rested person? Duh!.

However, many people still stay up far too late when they know they shouldn't and it causes them all sorts of negative side effects.

Lack of sleep can not only cause stress it impair your ability to deal with stressful situations, so get adequate rest for your body, invest in a nice comfortable pillow(I like the latex foam pillows) and consume a diet high in zinc to help sleep nice and deep.

15. St John's Wort - Valerian Root

The jury is still out on this one, but some people swear by the efficacy so if you want to try this supplement it is perfectly safe.

16. Avoid Alcohol

Nobody wanted to hear that, but it's true - Alcohol is one of the single largest antagonist of harmony in the world.

It does not take the pain away and more often than not will create a whole new chapter of stress and pain.

A few jovial drinks are fine but never entertain the thought that excessive drinking will be beneficial for stress relief because that is a misnomer.

Stretch

Stretching increases, blood flow to the muscles, suppleness and helps the body relax as well as preventing muscle soreness.

A good ten minute stretch combined with good breathing is very advantageous in relieving stress and is worth trying.

18. Big Hugs

Nothing helps reduce stress like a nice big hug from some one we love.

The good news is that even hugging a complete stranger is good for our psychological wellbeing, so don't be shy - get out there and start hugging everyone.

19. Massage

The effects of massage on stress relief are obviously great as well as very enjoyable so why not treat your self to a back neck and shoulders massage to relieve tension.

Those of you lucky enough to have lovely, caring partners might receive neck rubs and foot rubs on a regular basis well - Lucky you - Enjoy it.

20. Chamomile Tea

It's calming, it's tasty and it's caffeine free and it's cheap, no we are not advertising it but we are endorsing it. You can find Chamomile tea in supermarkets and most health stores.

21. Relaxation Foods

Some foods can help your body relax, foods that contain b vitamins, zinc, magnesium and tryptophan are great for relaxing the muscles or controlling the stress hormone serotonin.

Foods such as Fish, green vegetables, nuts, omega 3's, asparagus, mushrooms, milk and low g.i foods all can help.



In conclusion all stress is not necessarily bad and much of it can teach us valuable lessons, however having a system to negotiate stress and create a positive happier environment is very useful in the quest for stress relief.

Stress Relief By "Dominique Deveaux"



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