Everybody has more and more in their schedules these days and the result is that more people are feeling stressed. Even researching stress can itself be a cause of tension and frustration. However, this article provides some simple steps you can take to reduce the amount of stress in your life.
When you are overwhelmed and stressed out, think about being calm. Imagine yourself taking a relaxing bath or hot shower and notice that your stress levels will lessen. Other thoughts to conjure up to relieve your stress include thinking of a favorite destination, a pleasant person or anything else that causes you to feel good.
Animal ownership is wonderful for relieving stress. Research has proven that petting an animal a few minutes helps to relieve or lower stress levels.
Writing when stressed can provide a positive outlet for the negative energy. Sometimes stress gets to the point where speaking about it is difficult, but sitting down and putting it to paper can actually have a more calming effect, which can relieve the stressful situation. As an added bonus, writing things down gives you a record that you can look at later to see how you handled stressful situations previously.
If you are doing unhealthy things to deal with your stress, find other ways to do it. For example, if you generally smoke whenever you are stressed, why not just take a walk around the block instead. When you make positive, rather than negative, choices in life you are better able to cope with the day to day stressful situations that we all must face.
Spearmint oil can be used as a stress reduction method. When you are feeling a bit overburdened, just place a small bit on your temples as well as your neck. Little things like this can have a huge impact on your overall stress level, try it!
Any humorous events or jokes you experience should be written down. Your humor journal can be fun to review later, and more importantly, the very act of recording funny, positive memories will focus your mind on them and make them stick.
Honesty is always the best policy. Research has indicated that even little lies can make people feel guilty, and they also start to fear that the truth may eventually come out.
One good exercise to reduce stress is the practice of deep breathing. When we are in stressful situations our breathing becomes shallow and rapid; learning the proper way to breathe will help lower the amount of tension and stress you are feeling in your everyday life. This controlled breathing is a key to controlling stress and it is wise to incorporate it into your daily routine.
The next time you’re shopping for beauty supplies, buy shampoos and lotions that smell wonderful. If you like how you smell throughout the day, you’ll have better feelings about yourself. This can help you fight stress with all of your might. Candles and body sprays with lavender can also be used for relaxation.
Limit the amount of caffeine that you take in during the day. Caffeine will increase the stress hormones, so you will feel much more stressed the more coffee that you drink. Try replacing the coffee with green tea, because it will reduce stress instead of increasing it.
Tonics can be a good way to relieve your stress. Homeopathy can be a great way to reduce stress. Investigate it and see if it’s right for you. These all-natural therapies have helped a lot of people and are quite safe. You can consider trying something like Kava, which research has shown to be just as therapeutic as alprazolam, or Xanax.
One easy way to become less stressed is to pay close attention when you’re receiving instructions. In order to relieve stress, always be sure to listen attentively when instructions are given. For example, when your doctor gives you advice, or when a teacher lectures in class, paying attention will help you retain important information.
Remember that as well as being uncomfortable, stress can be unhealthy. Stress interferes with your body’s ability to function at maximum efficiency. Apply these tips to your life, and help yourself relax and feel better.