It’s very easy to let stress take over our lives, so when those times come, here are some quick tips to work on alleviating those stressors.
Take Five
Three times per day take the time to be mindful and present. It’s amazing how easily we can become disconnected from ourselves and from everything and everyone around us and not truly be present.
Sit outside on your own without anyone around for five minutes and just be aware of the breeze and the sounds around you. Take time first thing in the morning to meditate – breathe deep and be mindful of your own body and breathing to work towards relaxation.
Spend time doing yoga a few times a week in a quiet place. Indulge in a long hot bath after everyone else in the house is asleep. Take a little bit of time just for you to be mindful and present and in your own head for a while.
Just say NO
Sometimes you have to say no to ensure that you can be at your best for yourself and your family. It’s ok to miss out on an event or on an opportunity if it means your well being and that of your family is better off, so weigh the benefits with the negative impacts that might arise out of a commitment and make a decision that way. There are polite ways to decline; don’t be afraid to use them.
Have Sex
There have been a number of studies that show sex as a beneficial stress reliever. While many people feel wiped out and lacking in energy due to stress, studies do support a link between happiness and alleviated stress levels when people have active sex lives. So make a commitment to more intimacy and you may see an abated stress level.
Be Social
Being with friends and family has the benefit of lifting your mood and boosting your morale. When we are stressed, the simple act of visiting and having down time with those that we care about most can alleviate that stress. Friendships have been linked to longer lives in women and that reason alone makes the commitment worthwhile, so get social and feel your overall mood lighten.
Practice Music Therapy
Using music in conjunction with other activities, like yoga, can bring you relief from stress. This is an emerging stress management technique, but it has shown signs that it is another beneficial practice in stress management.
What do you do to relieve stress?Â
Photo: Alan Cleaver
