Let’s face it; stress is a fact of life. With work, family, friends, activities, our smart phones, life never seems to slow down. We need to learn how to relieve stress to help our body, mind, and soul! We have compiled five easy and natural stress management tips to keep your stress level low so you can focus on what is important, YOU!
Say cheese
Smiling is a two-way mechanism. We smile when we’re happy and relaxed. If you’re feeling stressed, smiling can also make you feel happy and relaxed because our brain is interconnected with our facial expressions and emotions. When we smile, our facial muscles transmit nerve impulses to the limbic system, our brain’s emotional center. So, go ahead and smile. You’ll feel better in an instant.
Chat It Up
Your social network is one of the best tools for handling stress. Stress can cloud your judgment and prevent you from seeing things clearly. Share what’s going on with people in your life. They may help you find a solution and put your problems into perspective. Meet with your friends over coffee or pick up the phone and call a good friend. Just talking to someone about how you feel can be helpful.
Move It
Research suggests that exercise benefits your mind as well as your body. When you feel stressed, try to incorporate some physical activity into your daily routine. A 20-minute run, walk, dance or swim in the midst of a stressful time can provide an immediate effect that lasts for several hours.
Om
Meditation can help the mind focus and relax. Much like exercise, research revealed that people who are under a lot of stress can reap immediate benefits from brief meditation sessions.
When meditating, make sure to do it in a place where you will not be disturbed and can devote your full and undivided attention.
Just Breath
Deep breathing counters the effect of stress by lowering blood pressure and slowing the heart rate.
Take a break from the stressor and focus on your breathing. Sit up straight and place one hand on your belly. Close your eyes and focus your attention on your breathing. Slowly, inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. As you breathe, make sure that the hand on your abdomen is moving up and down.