What happens to your body when you stress out? Whether you’re holding in tears on the way to work, biting your nails during an important presentation, or clenching your jaw before an important family event, the emotions and physical symptoms you’re experiencing are those of stress – and they have very real effects on your body. Luckily, there are many natural ways to relieve stress that can help lessen or even eliminate those effects without you even realizing it. In this article we will talk about different ways to reduce stress in your life
Do you have stress in your life?
Yes
No
Lifestyle Tips for Avoiding Stress
Because we’re all human, life is bound to throw some curveballs at us. But stress doesn’t have to be a fact of life—and it certainly shouldn’t feel like one! These lifestyle tips can help you avoid unnecessary stress and make time for what really matters. They are the essential elements of any good plan to manage your mood and health.
- Relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga
- Limit caffeine intake
- Spend time with friends and family who you love
- Stay active by exercising regularly (both mindfully and on the go)
- Create boundaries around yourself so that you don't take on more than your share of responsibility
Workplace Management Tips
Often, it’s assumed that stress can be managed on an individual level. But stress doesn’t just affect a single person—it affects everyone involved in a stressful situation. That’s why employers need to do their part by providing employees with support and setting clear expectations for productivity and deadlines. Create or update your employee handbook so that all members of your team are aware of what constitutes proper workplace behavior, such as making threats or using abusive language toward other staff members, regardless of personal relationships within your company. Make sure that your workforce is well trained in proper stress management techniques, including time management skills, relaxation strategies and exercise routines.
Mental Strategies
Many people who stress out turn to food, booze, drugs or other unhealthy vices. Or they worry themselves into a headache. Some even become mean-spirited and downright nasty. How do you handle stress? Do you take out your frustration on others? Do you make others feel uncomfortable when something stressful happens? If so, it’s important for you—and them—to recognize how your behavior affects others in stressful situations. And it’s also important for you to recognize how your body reacts when stressed. Here are some things that may be happening inside your body during times of high stress
Breathing Exercises
Deep, controlled breathing is one of the best stress-relieving techniques you can use because it allows your body to rapidly relax. According to Dr. Oster, breathing exercises send signals from your brain that help trigger a relaxation response in your body; think fight or flight mode when you’re being chased by a wild animal. Deeply inhale and exhale while holding your breath for five seconds, then release and repeat at least four times. If these exercises are performed in a relaxed environment, they can have many benefits like calming an upset stomach and improving asthma symptoms; but if you’re experiencing a lot of pain or anguish with each inhale or exhale, they may not be as effective as intended.
Mindfulness Exercises
As a busy professional, it can be hard to find time for mindfulness. So start small! Take a moment to tune into your breath as you begin your day. If you meditate, make sure you set aside at least 10 minutes each day just for yourself. Slowly build up from there. Mindfulness is about taking more control over how you react to stress and frustration. By taking steps each day—even if they’re small ones—you'll learn what works best for your body and mind and which strategies are worth incorporating into your daily routine.
Creative Visualization Exercises
Creative visualization is a great stress management tool. For example, if you’re giving a presentation or going on a job interview, visualize your potential employer calling you in for an interview and telling you that they’re very impressed with your skills. You may believe that creative visualization can cure cancer or help you find love, but studies have shown it can be used as a stress-management technique as well. According to researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, simply visualizing yourself in control of difficult situations can lead to less anxiety and lower stress levels. If these results sound too good to be true, think about why athletes visualize their performance before heading into competitions—research has confirmed that it works!
Get A Reiki healing Session
Reiki Healing is a great way to reduce stress. It puts you in a state of ultimate relaxation and helps calm down your nervous system. One of the primary benefits of a Reiki session is relaxation. When we are relaxed, our muscles become less tense, and our blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate lowers. This response is the opposite of the "fight or flight" stress response. Instead, Reiki works to help you achieve a deep state of mental, emotional and physiological rest.
"We see a lot of people come in for Reiki Healing for their stress and anxiety"
-Karolina Mankowski, Serene Soul Studio
According to Psychology Today, chronic stress can change how we see ourselves, other people and our environment; it can also impact our immune system and be detrimental to a healthy lifestyle. The best thing you can do is learn more about stress and its effects. We hope with these tips you will be on your way to a stress-free life!
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