Stress can take a
catastrophic toll on the mind and body.
Here are some stress management techniques
that will help to improve the quality of
your life.
Autogenic training;
calming yourself down through words by using
the power of suggestion. This simple but
effective technique can be self-taught and
can help you achieve a very deep state of
relaxation.
Cognitive therapy or cognitive behavioural
therapy; your thoughts directly affect the
production of hormones that cause stress.
A cognitive therapist can help you recognise
and curtail irrational thought processes,
and approach your problems in a calm, collected
manner.
Progressive relaxation; gently tense and
then relax muscle groups one by one, and
feel the tension leave your body when you
loosen your muscles.
Ground yourself. Turn off your cell phone
and computer, ban yourself from going out
and watching television, and confine yourself
to your room. Read a book, take a long bath,
listen to music, or just catch up on sleep.
A healthy body equals a healthy mind. Being
in shape can directly help relieve stress.
So, exercise and eat well-balanced meals.
Find humour in your life, hang out with
people who make you laugh, watch comedies
instead of soaps. Laughter lowers blood
pressure and reduces hypertension.
Do yoga or tai chi, meditate, or get a massage.
Get it off your chest. Talk to someone about
your problems. If you are a private person,
write down your feelings in a stress journal.
Surround yourself with soothing sounds and
aromas. Listen to music that brings you
peace; hum along. Light scented candles
or get a bowl of potpourri with fragrances
like rosemary or lavender.
Grab forty winks. Sometimes small problems
are magnified because you are tired and
this can lead to stress. A 15 to 20 minute
nap can do wonders.
Most stress is self-induced.
Most of us think too much and worry about
everything. Just give yourself a break from
time to time. Life is short and you owe
it to yourself to enjoy it.
LEARN MORE ON STRESS MANAGEMENT
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