Stress – the s-word we all love to hate! It is an inherent part of modern living. People experience stress for many reasons—work demands, co-worker tensions, relationship issues, weather, traffic, and the list goes on.
When our body experiences stress, it triggers the release of adrenaline. This hormone is responsible for increasing our heart rate and body pressure, preparing us for a fight-or-flight response.
Some level of stress is considered good because it provides the drive necessary to meet goals and deadlines. But when the body experiences a continual state of stress, it can lead to detrimental long-term effects which include high blood pressure, weight gain or loss, skin eruptions, irritability, depression and anxiety. All of these have negative impacts on our personal relationships.
Therefore, it is very important to learn how to manage and relieve stress.
1. Exercise
A simple 20-minutes exercise routine can do wonders for relieving stress. By increasing the heart rate during this short duration, your body releases endorphins or “feel good” hormones. If working out is not your cup of tea, then put on your headphones and go for a long, brisk walk. The whole point of exercising is to stay active, which is especially important for those who have desk jobs.
2. Meditation Or Yoga
If you are a spiritual person, meditation might appeal you. Simply light a candle, turn off the lights, sit in a yoga position, and practice deep breathing. You may play some relaxing music in the background.
This activity will help you to channel your thoughts away from the stresses of your routine.
Taking yoga classes is another great alternative. Ask a friend or relative to join you to make the sessions more interesting.
3. Laughter Is The Best Medicine
Laughter is the best way to release tension and feel light-hearted at the same time. In the corporate world, it is difficult to come across humor on a regular basis. One of the best ways to add a little laughter into your life is by subscribing to a website, channel or network that provides humor. Make it a point to watch movies that are light and funny. Or better still, try to chill out with friends at least once a week.
4. Listen To Music
Music is one of the few mediums that are independent of politics, gender and religion. As soon as you get home from a hard day’s work, put on some of your favorite tunes, and listen to them as you complete your remaining routine. If you are permitted to wear headphones at work, you can plug in one ear piece and listen to music, while the other ear is free.
5. Keep A Journal
It always helps to write down your feelings. By writing, you can look for patterns in your behavior that lead to stress. In the long run, this can be a valuable tool for you in learning coping techniques.
6. Take Up A Hobby
Engaging in a hobby is a great way to divert your mind from stressors. Take up a hobby that you enjoy doing or would like to learn. Art-related hobbies such as painting, learning to play an instrument, and clay modeling are great ways to channel your stress and even meet interesting people.
7. Cook
Cooking can prove to be an effective medium to channel your stress. Take up cooking classes, or get recipes from books or the Internet to cook new cuisines.
8. Talk To Someone
The act of talking and venting your emotions is always beneficial for your health. Often it is not the stress itself which is important, but how you deal with it.
When you speak to a friend or a trusted person, you may be able to look at your problem from a new perspective.
9. Sleep
Most of us are deprived of sleep. The recommended amount of sleep is 6 to 8 hours per day. Try to make your bed time a regular routine. And when you go to bed, try to remove distractions like books, television, work and other people.
10. Get A Massage
When you go for a professional massage, you will instantly feel the stress leaving your body. Since getting a professional massage is not an option for many people, you can invest in a hand massage device that allows you to massage your hands, feet, back and even face yourself.
Just like air and taxes, stress is a guaranteed part of human existence. We cannot run away from it, but simply learn to relieve it!