Stress Reduction Techniques

Stress seems to be an inevitable part of our lives, what with our hectic schedules and demanding lifestyles. For most of us, each day is a race against time. From the pressures of paying bills to career demands and commitments to balancing professional and personal lives, we are all juggling between a variety of tasks that are both taxing and important.

While some amount of stress is good and helps us remain alert and active, it is important to try and remain stress free. Here are some stress reduction techniques that will help you keep your calm and give you some much needed relaxation.

1. Meditation: Yes, meditation helps! Find five minutes every day to block all tensions and forget all worries. Escape to a more peaceful frame of mind by meditating. Find a quiet corner, leave all your gadgets elsewhere, close your eyes, clear your mind, and pick a phrase that you can murmur, and focus all your energy on it. The act of carrying out a repetitive task can work wonders in dropping stress levels. While chanting a particular phrase is the most popular form of meditation, activities like painting or swimming can also help calm you down.
2. Mindfulness: Being mindful of your surroundings is important and a great way of taking your mind away from stressful situations and subjects. Focus on the things around you, small details that you would otherwise overlook – like the wind, colors of the flowers, etc – and live in the present moment. You’ll be surprised at how you become calmer and can look at stressful circumstances from a fresh perspective!
3. Time-Out: We are all in a rush to check things off our checklist. Laundry? Done. Assignments? Done. Bills? Paid. Take a break from your everyday chores and find time for yourself. Engage in activities that interest you. Whether it is something as simple as making time to watch your favorite TV show or it is a night-out with friends or a trip to the spa, doing things that you love and spending some time indulging yourself is important every now and then.
4. Music: Music can certainly lift your spirits up! Escape to your room, play your favorite tunes, turn up the volume, and move those feet. Or, if you prefer, lie down, play some soothing music, and stop thinking about all your chores. For many people, music is the most effective stress buster!
5. Breathing: When stressed, people take short, quick breaths. Simply changing the way you breathe can calm one down and help you relax. Try closing your eyes and taking deep, long breaths. Breathe in through your nose, hold it in for 2 – 3 seconds, and then slowly breathe out through your mouth. Focus on your breathing and continue for a good five to ten minutes. You’ll be far more composed and relaxed in no time!
6. Be Prepared: Plan your day in advance and be organized about everything. Being in control will help keep stress levels down. Spend a few minutes every night prioritizing what needs to be done for the next day. Keeping a checklist may also help. Once you have armed yourself and are ready to take the next day head-on, you will feel more confident and there will be little to worry about!
7. Exercise: There’s nothing like sweating it out to take your mind off stress. Whether it is a tennis match or an hour at the gym, pick anything that requires physical activity. Even simple repetitive exercises like spot jogging can do wonders. A physically fit body will help you stay mentally alert and ease stress levels.

Take a break and stay relaxed. Just follow these simple stress relief strategies and lead a calmer, stress-free life!