Does having stress in your every day life stress you out even more? Does your stress interrupt your life? Do you feel that your health is negatively impacted by your level of stress? If your answer is “yes” to even one of these questions, then you should read this article for simple methods in managing your stress.
Plan ahead today in whatever you can, and the feeling of a lighter burden and less stress will amaze you the next morning. All the little things that you need to get done can combine to increase your stress levels, so doing small things, like taking out the trash or preparing lunch in advance, can make things more manageable.
Try to visualize being calm when you feel overwhelmed and stress. Try to imagine yourself in a hot shower or bath and watch as a wave of relaxation washes your stress down the drain. If this doesn’t work for you, visualize whatever you can think of that will give you a calm, peaceful feeling.
Having a personal affirmation which is a sentence or two long can help you to focus your mind on what is important in your life. Say your affirmation over and over when you’re feeling stress or anxiety ,and it can help to quiet the self-critical voices in your head. Inform yourself that you’re capable of dealing with it, that you are calm, or whatever affirmations can help you feel better.
Go out for a walk, jog or bike ride in the park with your friends to enjoy the beauty of nature. It is important to reduce the toxins in your body, as you will be able to sweat them out this way. Jogging, running, or using a treadmill can help to de-stress your life.
If the word “stress” is a regular member of your vocabulary, find another way to say it. The word works only to constantly remind you how stressed you are; it becomes a new cause of stress. By thinking or saying the word “stress”, you will feel stress. So to avoid this problem, call it something completely different.
Change the ways you deal with stress. If you handle stress in unhealthy ways, find more productive ways to deal with pressure. For example, if you tend to overeat when stressed, you should instead consider exercising. If you use good coping skills, instead of bad ones, you will feel much better.
Stand parallel to a strong wall, and with your feet planted firmly on the ground, place your hands flat on the wall and push as hard as you possibly can. You will be able to feel the stretch of your hamstring and it will take your mind off your problems, thus helping to relieve your stress.
Use this journal to write down all the amusing things you see and experience in your life. When you go back to read the journal, it can be a way to take things in perspective. In addition, simply writing down those happy or amusing experiences focuses your mind on fun things. It will let you see the lighter side of your life.
The moment that you notice you are extremely stressed, check your body for any clenching that you may be doing. Common areas include the muscles in your lower back and your shoulders, hands and teeth. When you see where you place your tension, make it a habit to stretch these areas as soon as you begin feeling stressed. By doing this, you will be able to relax and feel less tense.
Pick up a hobby and try your hand at arts and crafts to help you relieve stress. Free your mind of work deadlines and financial worry by immersing yourself in arts. Try your hand at painting, drawing, carving, writing, sculpting, or any other free-form creative endeavor.
In order to reduce stress, try deep breathing exercises. Stress causes shallow and rapid breaths, so practicing proper breathing techniques can reduce tension and stress. This is a proven way to relieve stress and it can easily become a part of your day, especially when you want to reduce stress.
One way to cope with stress is to use self-hypnosis. Self-hypnosis has been reported as helpful to lessen the annoyance of day to day things that have to be dealt with.
Change does not have to mean stress. A lot of people are scared to make changes to their lifestyle. When you realize that you’re not taking the proper steps towards a stress free life, you will start to notice changes. You might have to work hard to get rid of some bad habits. Adopt a determined attitude, and you will be rewarded.
Avoid stressful situations by planning ahead. Buy your Christmas present early. Fill your gas tank well before it hits empty. Be proactive in your life, and avoid constantly playing catch-up.
One overlooked but effective method to combat stress is to simply smile more. Smiling causes your facial muscles to activate the limbic system. The limbic system is your brain’s emotional center. By utilizing your smiling muscles more often, your body will naturally shift to a more peaceful state, allowing you to feel less stress.
Aromatherapy can really do wonders for de-stressing during a busy day. Your senses are both strong and powerful, and aromatherapy taps into that power. Scents such as lavender and chamomile can help combat stress and encourage you to relax. Scented candles can help fill the room with those relaxing fragrances.
Make plans to do something. When you are looking forward to something fun in your life, stress can be alleviated by turning your thoughts to your plans. You could always go to a movie or a concert.
Now that you’ve read how to manage your stress, the only thing left is to do it! Don’t let yourself get too stressed out; it’s bad for your life and your health. Apply these easy tips whenever you feel like you need a break from stress and soon, you’ll be feeling better.
