Stress Relief

Simple Stress Management Tips

Stress is an epidemic. It’s not a new one, either. Even before there was a name for stress, people experienced it. Everyday life can be very stressful in a variety of ways. Then there are traumatic events that cause stress. Everyone has stress in their life in some form or another. What differs from person to person are the individual causes of and reactions to the stress. Fortunately, there are some simple stress management tips that everyone can use to combat this problem.

Positive self-talk is a simple strategy that everyone can use during times of stress. Stress is commonly caused by anger and fear. When you are feeling especially angry, take some time and talk to yourself. By addressing yourself in a loving, caring way you can stop the issue from escalating. For example, let’s say someone cuts you off in traffic. Rather than instinctively responding with an angry outburst you could talk yourself out of it. You could say something like ‘It’s OK. I’m not going to let this upset me.’ The same tactic works if you are feeling anxiety.

Another strategy involves prompting your body to release feel-good chemicals which boost your immune system and fight off the damaging effects of stress. There are a variety of ways to do this. It’s been proven that loving contact with another person (such as cuddling or hugging) can reduce stress. So can petting your dog or cat. Getting immersed in a beloved hobby like gardening or art can also release these feel-good chemicals. And let’s not forget about exercise — perhaps the most effective strategy of all. When you exercise outdoors on a sunny day, you get even more benefits (just don’t forget to wear sunscreen!) because the sunshine also boosts your good chemical levels.

Even the act of breathing can be a form of simple stress management. The key is to become aware of your breathing and focus on it. When you take a deep breath, fill your belly then your lungs. This is called belly breathing and allows you take in more oxygen. When you are feeling stressed, turn your attention to your breathing and take several deep breaths. Inhale for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4 then release for a count of 8. This will help you counteract tension and anxiety therefore reducing your level of stress.