Stress doesn’t have to take over. With these simple tips, you can reduce your stress levels and enjoy a happier life.
What stress?
While a lot of us don’t like to admit it, there are a number of things in life that get us stressed.
These include problems at work and financial worries; bedroom issues from erectile dysfunction to premature ejaculation; personal anxiety related to loneliness and depression; and aged-related problems, including issues from arthritis to memory loss.
For more information on dealing with stress, you could read the NHS guide.
Relaxation techniques
Here are a number of day-to-day activities you can include in your daily routine to help keep your stress levels down.
1. Talking
Not to yourself but your friends, family or even a stranger. Most anxieties and stresses are in your mind and you will no doubt play them over and over again, each time making them bigger and more likely to harm your everyday wellbeing. Bringing in another point of view can make you realise that your problem isn’t actually that big or one faced by you alone. And others might be able to offer a solution.
2. Meditation
It may sound like hippy nonsense but meditation has been proven to relieve stress. The concept of mindfulness, which is part of meditation, means you become more aware of the present moment which can help you to enjoy the good things in the world. It can also help you clear your mind of your stresses for a while.
For more information, go to the Meditation Trust.
3. Stretching exercises
Stress can manifest itself physically especially in your muscles. A stressed mind can mean tight muscles, which do nothing to improve your mood. By doing some simple stretching exercises you can help relieve some of the physical stress and tension from your body. You can even do these at work or while commuting.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital has a guide certain exercises.
4. Music
Listening to music can help you zone out from the stresses of the world – whether you need to release some anger and frustration with some heavy metal or enjoy the soothing sounds of classical music.
5. Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins which are sometimes referred to as the pleasure hormones. Not only that, but running is a great way to focus your mind on something else and zone out of your problems. Taking a break from your anxieties, even if it’s just for an hour, can be a helpful way to reduce their impact.
6. Games
One of the biggest issues with anxiety is that it seems to creep into your daily routine and is always at the back of your thoughts. Taking a short break from your worries can help. Get yourself involved in a game, whether it’s on your phone or just an old fashioned crossword. Games can take your mind away from your daily routine. However, make it something you enjoy – you don’t want the game itself to become a source of stress.
7. Make a list
Get your problems down on paper before you go to bed. There’s no use going over them while you’re trying to sleep as you probably won’t come up with the answer. Make a list and deal with it in the morning. When you wake up, you might even wonder what all the fuss was about.
8. Breathing technique
Sometimes the stress can catch up with you and hit you all at once. If you’re feeling like it’s getting out of control, find a quiet spot, loosen any tight clothing like a tie, and take some deep breaths. Fill your lungs, hold for a second and breathe out. Continue until you’re feeling more relaxed. It may sound simple but it works.
9. Massage
When all else fails, get yourself off to your local masseuse. Not only will it help relieve any built up tension in your muscles, it’ll also give you some time to zone out mentally. When you’re getting your massage, don’t think about the outside world, just focus on how the massage feels.
