There’s no avoiding stress, it is a normal thing in our everyday lives. Stress is a reaction to
both positive and negative situations, such as a new job or the death of a loved one. Stress isn’t a bad thing, but it’s how you deal with it that can greatly impact you in a positive or negative way. Here are some relaxation tips that can help you deal with stress:
1. Meditate or Breathe Deeply
Just a few minutes can help ease anxiety & help you to become more resilient towards stress. Clear your mind of any and all things and remember to breath deeply at an easy pace.
2. Reach out
Surround yourself with a community that you feel comfortable talking to when times get hard. Reach out in person or talk over the phone. This can help give you a fresh perspective while keeping connections strong!
3. Be present
Take 5 minutes to slow down—sometimes we are so on the go that little things that should not stress us out are the exact things that do stress us out. Take a moment to be in the moment and realize some things aren't as bad as they seem.
4. Decompress
Do something for your body that you enjoy. Try wrapping a warm compress around your shoulders & neck for 10 minutes. After the time is up use a foam roller or other tools to massage out tension. Physical stress (the aches and pains) is just as important to alleviate as mental or emotional stress.
5. Laugh out loud
A good laugh doesn’t just feel great, it also lowers cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, & boosts endorphins, that help better your mood. They don't call it the "best medicine" for nothing. Get in on a good laugh and chuckle the stress away!
6. Get moving
All forms of movement can ease anxiety & tension by helping the brain to release the feel good chemicals that help your body deal with stress. Go for a run or just a light after-dinner walk around the neighborhood, both are going to be great for your stress levels.
Feeling stress is normal. Everyone experiences it at some point. It can seem difficult or maybe even impossible at times but in reality, stress is manageable if you know how to deal with it.
