We often read articles about harmful effects of stress on our health. We are well-aware that being stressful can create havoc on our physical and mental health but such knowledge increases our stress level even more as it produces pressure on us to remain stress free.
Whenever we find ourselves in stress, we start judging ourselves for being stressful, for not taking care of our well being. This creates a cycle of never ending tension. In my opinion it is better to focus on ways to release stress in a productive way then to obsess over its impact on us.
None of us choose to stay stressful, atleast consciously. In many circumstances stress is inevitable, we can't run from it. Let me explain you more, if you are having busy days at office, in the midst of that you are asked to prepare a presentation in a short time because a person who is supposed to do it having some emergency and the task needs to be done. Now what can you do? Can you say no to your boss? You can explain your situation but what if there is no other person suitable for doing this task. If you keep on stressing, it will suck energy out of you, making you unable to perform well. Acknowledge that you are in stress then look for ways to release it. We can not avoid stress every time we can learn to manage it effectively.
There are certain things you can do to avoid building up unnecessary tension. Sometimes we fail to focus on small things which are creating discomfort. We are giving attention to the bigger things which can't be solved instantly but what if we start changing small things of discomfort in our lives, usually they are easy to solve and lessen your build up tension more than you think.
Here are few things you can do to make your life more peaceful. These might look simple but they have the potential to calm your inner world. Choose what works for you and make it an outlet to release stress.
TAKE A BREAK AND NOTICE BREATHING:
Whenever you feel stressed out, try to move away from stressor, if possible. If you are working at office, take a break of few minutes from work. This will not only shift your mind and help you to relax but you also become more focused when return back. During this short break just close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Take a deep breath through your nose, hold it for sometime then release it through the mouth. While inhaling air your abdomen should protrude out, this is abdominal breathing. It helps in relaxing and make you feel grounded.
PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION:
You can try progressive muscle relaxation technique. For this lie down straight on a comfortable couch or bed. You have to tense each group of muscles then relax. Start from your toes, tense muscles around it hold it for few seconds then release. Moving from toes up to the scalp, tensing and then relaxing each part. This technique works best for most people, it might work for you too.
DE-CLUTTER YOUR LIFE:
Remove clutter from your life, give away your extra stuff to someone in need. Studies show that keeping minimum things at home help you to calm down. Environment free of excess objects reduces stress and make you feel relaxed. The added benefit, you feel good by handing over spare things to the needy.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH NATURE:
Nature has healing tendency. The calm lake and the lush green forests have soothing effects on the nervous system. It is always a great idea to take a break once in a while from the hustle and bustle of city life and spend some time at a hill station or a village.
Apart from these, physical activity such as a brisk walk or jogging, a well balanced diet, a good night sleep and cut down on caffeine help to manage stress in a healthy way.
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