It’s inevitable that we experience stress every day but the important thing is learning the management of chronic stress before it affects our lives. We’ve gathered some amazing stress relief tips to ease our weary bodies and minds.
Chronic stress, however is another story. If unmanaged, adversely affects both body and mind. Chronic stress triggers headaches and lowers our immunity and ability to ward off illness. It can even contribute to insomnia, hair loss and muscle aches. While we can’t completely eliminate stress from our lives, we can learn to manage it.
Learn to Manage Your Stress.
Get in touch: Hold hands, stroke a pet, hug a loved one. Physical contact is a powerful stress reliever.
Take time out: Take three deep breaths, stretch your muscles, nap, meditate or do a few tension-relieving exercises.
Get outside too: Natural light is a very powerful stress reducer. Discover fun ways to exercise.
Experts agree on the benefits of aerobic exercise – the kind that raises your heart rate and makes you breathe hard. But, if you hate to jog, try swimming, cycling, aerobic dancing, racquetball or a few fast sets of tennis.
Get it off your chest: Bottling up feelings just increases stress. Talk it out. A sympathetic listener is always helpful.
Reward yourself: Stop for a special lunch or snack after shopping crowded stores. Relax with a favorite television show or book after cleaning.
Don’t give up seeing friends and doing things you enjoy because you are busy. Pleasurable activities are important too. Take a break. You need time to yourself — to listen to music, pursue a hobby or have a heart-to-heart talk with a friend. If you can’t afford to hire a babysitter, try trading child care time with another parent.
Get a massage: Tension just melts away under the touch of experienced fingers. A talented amateur, such as a partner or friend, can do almost as well.
Unwind before bedtime: Stretch to get the kinks out, then read, listen to music or some other relaxing activity. These activities will help you sleep better, and having adequate sleep is a great stress reliever.
