Manage Your Stress

In modern life, stress is one of the most difficult problems we have to face. It takes a toll on our mental and physical well-being. Fortunately, there are many things that we can do to deal with stress on a daily basis.

Yoga

Yoga is one of the best ways to reduce stress. All you need is a space large enough to allow freedom of movement, as well as a mat, DVDs, CDs, and certain props can also be very helpful. Just 20 minutes a day of yoga can dramatically reduce our stress levels. However, 40 minutes will provide a greater benefit. If you do not have time to do a full routine, try to sneak in yoga breaks throughout the day. Twist, stretch, and do forward bends. You can even do yoga at your desk or in bed. Try fitting a few postures in while you are waiting for a file to download or for a pot to boil.

Meditation

To meditate all you need is a quiet room and some cushions. Set the cushions on the floor and rest the edge of your buttocks on them. Move your body around a little bit to get settled. Then take some deep breaths and close your eyes. If you like, you may place the index finger and thumb together in the Anjali Mudra. Observe the flow. Breath in and out of your body. Do not try to control it. Observe the thoughts that flow through your mind. If a thought comes, acknowledge it as you would a cloud in the sky, and let it go. Continue meditating for at least 10 minutes.

Visualization

You can visualize while meditating, or while simply relaxing. Imagine something very positive and pleasant. For example, imagine that you are in a beautiful tropical forest with a pure, clean stream nearby. Bring the images of the forest into your imagination as vividly as possible. Or if you prefer, imagine that you’re on a beach, on a mountain, or near a waterfall. There are many guided meditation tapes and CDs that can also help you to visualize more clearly.

Go for a walk.

Walking in nature is very calming and soothing. Try to find an area near where you live that is removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you live in the country, all the better. Whether you walk vigorously or in a leisurely manner, you will feel your tensions beginning to unwind. A treadmill is also a great way to get walking exercise when the weather outside is forbidding.

Just breathe.

Many people are shallow breathers or tend to hold their breath. If you remind yourself to breathe throughout the day, you will begin to experience a greater sense of calm and tranquility. Take a deep breath in and then hold the breath for about a second. Then, slowly release the breath. Repeat this process. Studies have shown that simply breathing slowly can reduce tension and anxiety.

Take a hot bath.

Immersion in hot water can help to relax the muscles and soothe the mind. We all need a break from the sensory bombardment that comes with modern life. You can turn your bathtub into a sensory deprivation tank. Be sure to do this at a time when the house is quiet and you will not be disturbed. Close the bathroom door. Light some candles and turn off the electric lights. Then slip into the tub and close your eyes. Your mind will revel in the peace and quiet. It is very important to take time throughout the day to reduce stress. Taking short breaks frequently, several times per day, can make a huge difference in how we feel. Try to find out what activities help you relax and unwind to do them everyday.

About the Author

Joseline Burns is a teacher and coursework writer at an educational service with over nine years of experience in the educational field. She has been writing and editing content for cheap essay writer service, while also leading her own blogs for five years. She is a big fan of Marvel movies, politics, science, and psychology. Her main goal: To help people with self-development, and to teach them to look at the situation from different sides.