Stress has become so ingrained in our society that it seems almost everyone is trying to cope with it. At times it seems as if everything is going so fast and schedules are packed too tightly. Add this to the every day stresses of kids, aging parent, financial issues and the stress seems to keep building.
The good news is that there are quite a few strategies available to help you cope with stress and its inevitable effects. Here you will learn about a few so that you can learn to keep stress at bay and live a healthier and happier life.
No matter what strategy you try, it's important for your health and well-being to try and reduce the stress in your life. Any of these can help you, but go with those that fit in with your lifestyle and work well for you.
Meditate
By now, you've probably heard of meditation and it's benefits for stress reduction. With that said, there are several different types of meditation and you can choose which one suits you best.
Visualization meditation is a method of meditation where you focus on imagery to get to a relaxed state of mind. For example, you might start by imagining a place that is comforting and serene, such as a beach, or a sunset. Alternatively, you could imagine a warm, comforting light that envelops your entire body. As you breathe in, the goodness and peace comes into your body. Any stress or negativity should be gotten rid of on your exhalation. Keep doing this for a few minutes, relaxing your body continually and you will certainly decrease your stress level.
Breathe Deeply
While it may seem too simplistic, just breathing deeply can help rid your body of excess stress. The next time you catch yourself in a challenging situation where you feel stress or anxiety, take at least 5 slow deep breaths. The extra oxygen will help you to clear your mind and your entire body will be able to relax a bit. Breathe deeply for a minute or two if you are feeling really stressed out.
Be Present
It's all too easy to focus on the past or even on future events, but staying with the present moment will help you with your stress levels. If you can focus on the present moment, you will be more able to respond to what is happening and to dispel some of the worry that comes with thinking about things that have passed or haven't yet materialized. Being present is calming, even if you are in a stressful situation.
Reach Out
Humans seek out connection with others and need social interaction. If you are feeling a bit anxious, you can call a friend or family member who is supportive and comforting. It's always good to build up your social network, as people with a good supportive network have an easier time coping with stress in general.
Listen To Music
Music has universal appeal and can absolutely help to calm you down and relax.The next time you are feeling agitated or anxious, put on some soothing music and just close your eyes for a few minutes. Allow the music to take you away from what is bothering you at the moment. Even a few minutes each day can go a long way to helping you feel better.