Simple Stress Management

Let’s face it. We live in a fast paced world and managing stress is important. Stress cannot be avoided entirely, but it can be managed better by most of us. Left uncontrolled, stress can lead to ulcers, headaches, emotional overeating, irritable mood and depression. Chronic stress has been linked to serious health problems such as heart attacks and possibly cancer. Here are a few suggestions for quick stress relief:

  1. Breathe. Close your eyes and slowly take 10 breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
  2. Stretch. While sitting, lace your fingers together over your head, and stretch with palms facing up for 20 seconds. Extend your legs out in front of you and alternately flex and point your feet for 10 seconds. Then with knees slightly bent stretch forward over knees, grasping ankles. Hold 30 seconds.
  3. Have a cup of tea or a glass of another favorite non-alcoholic beverage. Sip it slowly.
  4. Laugh. Keep funny cartoons or a book of jokes handy. Rent a funny movie.
  5. Take a short walk, swing your arms freely, and breathe deeply.
  6. Nutrition. Take time for a healthy snack such as a piece of fresh fruit or raw nuts. 
  7. Drink water. Your body and mind work better when well hydrated.
  8. Talk things over with a friend.
  9. Visualize yourself relaxing somewhere pleasant-lounging on a beautiful beach or sitting by a stream in a sunny meadow.
  10. Give yourself a mini massage. Rub your temples, shoulders, and the back of your neck. Rub and knead the bottoms of your feet. Remember to breathe deeply.
  11. Turn on soothing music.
  12. Take a warm shower and use fragrant soap. Finish with soothing lotion.
  13. Drive less. Avoid unnecessary errands and trips to the store.
  14. Have your answering machine screen your calls.

Use these techniques often. Make them part of your daily routine.

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