Stress is a natural bodily response that helps us cope with demanding situations.
Stress increases our performance and helps us become resilient in the daily grind.
However, stress can pose a serious threat to our health when we experience too much of it for too long.
Over exposure to stress is linked to many health complications. Below are only a couple of them.
- heart disease
- cancer
- diabetes
- anxiety disorder
- obsessive compulsive disorder
- suicide
It is impossible to completely avoid stress. It is ever present.
The next best thing that we can do is learn how to "hit the safety valves" when stress builds up to dangerous levels.
Here are some tips to help you relieve stress.
How to Relieve Stress Tip 1 - Take a time out
Sometimes you just need to walk away for a few minutes to relax and regroup. Go to a dark, quiet place and just take it easy. Relax your muscles (you’ll be surprised how tense they can be) starting from the bottom up. Take slow, deep breaths and just let your mind go blank. Some soothing music may be helpful.
How to Relieve Stress Tip 2 - Ditch multi-tasking
Society reveres those who multi-task, and emphasizes "productivity." I think multi-tasking is just a fancy word for overload. In fact, it’s actually counterproductive because we put spread our efforts to thin and become forgetful of details. Switching from task to task and more tasks is a surefire way to get you over stressed. Instead of multi-tasking, do one task at a time, do it well, and make it enjoyable. Move on to another task when you have finished the task at hand. Less is truly more.
How to Relieve Stress Tip 3 - Take it easy
Life is too short to be serious all the time. Sometimes we get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget to enjoy it. So, stop and smell the roses. Spend some fun quality time with the family, or with friends. Explore the beauties of your surroundings. Have a few laughs. Yes, have direction for your life. But have confidence that you’ll reach your destination and enjoy the journey.
How to Relieve Stress Tip 4 - Exercise
There is plenty of research that links exercise to reduced stress. Physical activity allows us to let out bottled up pressure. It relieves anxiety and tension, distracts us from our worries, and puts us in a calm, relaxed, euphoric state. Not only does it relieve stress, it is also improves overall health. Exercise 20-30 minutes 3-4 times per week. Do 5-10 minute sessions (walking, pushups, jumping jacks, squats, jump rope, etc.) throughout your day when you feel tension building up. Some activities, such Tai Chi, Yoga, and kickboxing are renown for their stress busting abilities.
How to Relieve Stress Tip 5 - When all else fails, ask for help
There will be some times in our lives when stress can just be too much for any stress reliever "trick," and the only solution is to cry out for help. Put your pride aside and talk to a friend or family member about it. The "letting out" of things, and the emotional support that you get are not the only way this can benefit you. Friends and family can help you look outside the box by giving you their own insights, allowing you to see things from a different perspective. Also consider talking to a stress counselor. These people are professionals in the subject and can help you in many innovative ways.
Ark Agpalza has dedicated more than 10 years to the cause of healthy living, and is the author of the online publication Free Health and Fitness Tips.
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