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Tips to Reduce Stress

· stress management,stress,relaxation,akwablog

Use these stress reduction tips to help manage the stress in your life and improve your health.

Exercise

Walk, swim, jog, bike, lift weights or take a yoga, tai chi, or dance class. Do whatever movement captures your fancy, because exercise must be enjoyable if you want to stick to it.

Exercise increases the flow of endorphins, natural pain relievers that are responsible for what is called the runner’s high. In addition, exercise improves your circulation and helps relieve chronic tension and anxiety.

Stretching every hour or two, if done properly, can help relieve muscle tension and even prevent injury.

Get outside

Regular exposure to outdoor light and fresh air reduces the effects of seasonal affective disorder and lifts your spirits.

Tips to reduce stress

Meditate

Meditation has a lot of health benefits and is a very effective way to relieve stress and maintain a healthier lifestyle. With practice, meditation becomes an easy, effective habit to maintain. It builds resilience to stress over time. Putting in the effort to learn and practice meditation can actually transform your experience of stress in your life.

Consider supplements

Ask your healthcare professional for recommendations for vitamins and other supplements. Some supplements seem to help increase energy levels and balance hormones and other chemicals in the body.

Get a Massage

Get regular massage therapy to reinforce your ability to let go of stress.

If you feel that stress threatens to overwhelm you, seek a professional counselor for help with stress reduction.

Set boundaries at work and home

Remember one person can only do so much. Choose to let some things go and give yourself wholeheartedly to those you keep. Encourage yourself to say "no" when you need to.


If possible, take action to change situations that are troubling you. Know when to face up to the things that are causing you anxiety and when to let things go. Ask for support if you need to.
Set aside time to talk to your family and friends about your concerns. Let them know you are feeling anxious or pressured. Use "I" statements, for example, "I feel stressed. I have deadlines at work and feel I can’t keep up at home." Your loved ones will appreciate the chance to lend a hand as opposed to being blamed.


Honor a time and space for your own relaxation and stress reduction. Be willing to "stop the world and get off" even it’s only for half an hour after work every other day or a two-hour walk once a week. Make a commitment to yourself that nothing encroaches on.
Try new things, such as a new, nutritious and tasty food or a new bodywork technique such as Reiki or a hotstone massage.


Do what you "have" to do and then get on with your day-to-day activities with enthusiasm.
Take your breaks at work. Getting outside for a walk or doing simple stretches for 10 minutes is great for work stress reduction.


Laugh

Watch comedies and read humorous books. Get together with people who know how to look at life on the light side.


Take a weekend, or just a morning, away from your obligations and worries. On your getaways, leave work and worries behind. If that’s difficult, try writing down your worries or "to-do’s." Then tuck the list away, knowing you can get back to it after your time away.


Express your creativity

Write down your memories, grow flowers and herbs, or knit a sweater. Take a painting, writing, or photography class.

Your attitude can be your best friend or your worst enemy. It's your choice.

 

Christiaan Janssens

CRO Akwa Wellness