Stress has become so ingrained in our society that it seems almost everyone is trying to cope with it.
At times it seems as if everything is going so fast and schedules are packed too tightly. Add this to the everyday stresses of kids, aging parent, financial issues and the stress seems to keep building.
The good news is that there are a number of strategies available to help you cope with stress and its inevitable effects. I will share six strategies that you can use to keep stress at bay and live a healthier and happier life.
6 Tips for Relaxation and Stress Reduction:
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Meditation.
I’m sure you are aware of the many benefits of meditation. It\’s a great help for providing relaxation and stress reduction. There are several different types of meditation, and you can choose the one that suits you best.
Visualization meditation is a method of meditation where you focus on imagery to get to a relaxed state of mind. For example, you might start by imagining a place that is comforting and serene, such as a beach, or a sunset. Alternatively, you could imagine a warm, comforting light that envelops your entire body. As you breathe in, the goodness and peace will envelop your body. Any stress or negativity can be released and let go on exhalation. Keep doing this for a few minutes, relaxing your body consistently will certainly decrease your stress level.
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Yoga.
Yoga is hugely popular because of its beneficial mind and body effects. While doing deep stretches and yoga positions, you will be spending time mentally connecting to every part of your body. Becoming more aware of where you are feeling stress, you can learn to relax those parts through yoga. Regular practice of yoga will maximize your ability to know your body and over time it will become much easier to release daily stress in your life.
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Deep Breathing.
While it may seem too simplistic, just breathing deeply can help rid your body of excess stress. The next time you catch yourself in a challenging situation where you feel stress or anxiety, take at least five slow deep breaths. The extra oxygen will help you clear your mind and your entire body will be able to relax a bit. Breathe deeply for a minute or two if you are feeling really stressed out and for added relaxation.
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Stay in the Present Moment.
It\’s all too easy to focus on the past or even on future events, but staying with the present moment will help you with your stress levels. If you can focus on the present moment, you will be more able to respond to what is happening and to let go of some of the worries that come with thinking about things that have passed or haven\’t yet happened. Being present is calming, even if you are in a stressful situation.
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Reach Out to Others.
Humans seek out a connection with others and need social interaction. If you are feeling a bit anxious, you can call a friend or family member who is supportive and comforting. It\’s always good to build up your social network, as people with a good support network have an easier time coping with stress in general.
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Listen to Music.
Music has universal appeal and can absolutely help you relax and calm you down. The next time you are feeling agitated or anxious, put on some soothing music and just close your eyes for a few minutes. Allow the music to take you away from what is bothering you at the moment. Even a few minutes each day can go a long way to helping you feel better.
No matter what strategy you try, it\’s important for your health and well-being to try to reduce the stress in your life and achieve a state of relaxation. Any of these can help you but go with those that best fit in with your lifestyle and work well for you.
– Moira
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Moira Hutchison is a Mindset Cultivator, Energy Healer, and Tarot Card Reader. Her specialties range from helping people with broad goals such as accepting change, life planning, and personal balance, to specific goals like gaining motivation and overcoming issues such as procrastination, excess stress and self-sabotage.
