Stressed? Relax Right Now with 5 Super-Simple Stress-Busters
Stressed-out? Don't know which way to turn? Then, check out these five simple steps for instant sanity. They're quick and effective. And best of all, you can do at least one of them right now, right where you are, in the comfort of your own home or cubicle.
(1.) Breathe: Often and always, of course. But also DEEP-ly. Feel the air filling your lungs and expanding your ribcage and belly. As you breath in through your nose and out through your mouth, offer thanks to the very air you take for granted. Reflect for a moment on how it offers life-giving oxygen with every inhale and removes life-depleting toxins with every exhale.
Expand your exhale into a lengthy sigh. Let your shoulders hang loose and slump down your whole body into one long unbroken outbreath. Sense the sigh-starting from the top of your head and rippling down to the tips of your toes, as you softly whisper "Ahhhhhh. . . ".
Yaaaaawn. When tense, you tend to take short, shallow, and sporadic breaths. Less oxygen goes the brain and body, and they can't function at their peak, which doesn't do any body any good. A long, relaxing yaaaaawn will bring revitalizing oxygen to the where you need it most.
(2.) Count to 10: Forward or backwards, out loud or to yourself. Either way, the point is to count s-l-o-w-l-y. Add a word between each number. For example, say "10. . . hippopatumus," "9 . . . hippopatumus," and so on. By the end of your countdown, you'll be feeling more cool, calm, and collected-ready once again to launch into your next activity.
(3.) Look to the East: Try a little yoga. You don't have to get out of your chair. Just push back from your desk. No time for even that? No worries. Try this quickie to relax and revive your eyes: Rub your palms together briskly to build up some heat, then cover your eyes with your palms (no peeking-it should be dark as night in there). This imparts energy to the eyes and also helps them rest. Desk workers also typically build up strain in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. Yoga can untie those knots. For a refreshing 7-minute yoga video you can do at your desk, go to http://www.myprimers.com/my_primers/yoga_at_desk/yoga_vid_hi.html.< /p>
(4.) Eat: No, this doesn't mean gorging yourself on gobs of greasy fast food, which often is a response to stress. Treat yourself to a new kind of lunch. Think of the daily noontime ritual as a chance for you to unwind, to take a few quiet moments to re-group and de-stress. Head out on your own to refresh and recharge. You can do this at home, too. (Remember, turn off the TV, the radio, and the phones.) Sit down, get comfy, and savor the flavors, textures, and aromas of every morsel of your meal. Eat 'mindfully' and chew each bite at least 50 times. You'll digest better, which in turn means your body will more easily turn that food into energy to nourish and strengthen your overall system. Mindful eating also helps avoid heartburn and indigestion. Another big plus? You're likely to eat less-and that's a bonus if you want to slim down.
(5.) Take a hike: Just walk away. Right out the door. Don't worry, your problems will still be there when you return. Of course, dress for the weather before you hop out the door, and don't leave crying babies or boiling pots behind. You can get away from it all-for at least a few minutes-and return refreshed and rejuvenated, with a renewed outlook on life. While you're out and about, look around and appreciate the sights and sounds around you-the sun, the sky, and the clouds. Be happy for what you have, like the ability to get out and take a walk. A little gratitude goes a long way. Pick up the pace. 'Power-walking' can quickly work out the kinks. A spin around the block helps you feel less frazzled, and will put the razzle back in your dazzle.
Each of these five stress-busters takes away your jitters by taking your mind off what's bugging it. So, why not try one or two of these simple yet powerful de-stressers right now? And, remember, relax.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
P J Smith is the motivational word wizard in residence at http://www.myprimers.com/my_primers/yoga_at_desk/yoga_vid_hi.html. For more than two decades, she's been motivated to write and writing to motivate. Her work has been published in newspapers and magazines, and seen on public television. She's a student of psychology, Reconnective Therapy, Flower of Life -- and life. Let P J inspire and inform your audience. Find out more at http://www.myprimers.com/my_primers/yoga_at_desk/yoga_vid_hi.html.
affordable house cleaning Park Ridge ..Why are you so busy? Do you really have too... Read More
When we think about stress in the workplace, we usually... Read More
There are two types of anxiety:*Situational *Existential.Most of us experience... Read More
Syndicated columnist Dale Dauten recently wrote, "One of life's great... Read More
What would you say if I told you I know... Read More
We all know what it feels like to have our... Read More
What do you do when you wake up in the... Read More
Workplace stress is on the rise and it's costing corporate... Read More
Panic.Heart racing. Palms sweating. Breathing rapid and shallow. Mouth dry.... Read More
We all have it; we live with it daily: stress.... Read More
Let's face it! The majority of our time is either... Read More
My son was watching a Richard Scarry video this morning... Read More
Stressed? Relax Right Now with 5 Super-Simple Stress-BustersStressed-out? Don't know... Read More
Recently I completed some new workshop engagements in addition to... Read More
Do you worry all the time?Do the following symptoms bother... Read More
IntroductionTime magazine called stress the "The Epidemic of the Eighties".... Read More
Top Ten Ways to Reduce Your Stress at Home1. Create... Read More
I love a good story and I know I'm not... Read More
This is the time for daydreaming about your annual vacation.... Read More
My first real job (schedule, time clock, paycheck, boss) was... Read More
It was one of the first words you learned to... Read More
Probably the least appreciated form of stress is college stress.... Read More
THE ENCHANTED SELF? teaches you how to access positive states... Read More
We've all been there, right? We find ourselves living with... Read More
One of my favorite stories about change is the story... Read More
affordable house cleaning Mundelein ..Genuine enthusiasm...real feeling of accomplishment...sense of satisfaction and fun. Welcome... Read More
1. The Law of GiftsRichard Bach, author of "Illusions" says... Read More
It was a self-exploration that made me understand myself. It... Read More
Let's face it! The majority of our time is either... Read More
Here's a fun little experiment:Take a few seconds and look... Read More
Do you feel tense and anxious at work? Do your... Read More
Do you ever feel stressed? Is stress a regular component... Read More
Today's workplace produces plenty of stress. Life's little hassles mount... Read More
My son was watching a Richard Scarry video this morning... Read More
The predominant role human conditioning plays in a stressful environment.... Read More
I came out of a nightmare 5-year period of anxiety... Read More
"Smash!" It was a sunny autumn Saturday. My cousins and... Read More
Stress can affect virtually any part of the body and... Read More
Feeling stressed? Who isn't!! In today's society, feeling "stressed out,"... Read More
One of the best ways to combat stress and depression... Read More
The right amount of stress can be good for you,... Read More
The National Center for health statistics reported that in 1997,... Read More
1. 5-minute rule. How many times do we say, "This... Read More
Stress Vs PressureStress is something we all have, it's not... Read More
Over the years I've collected scores of comics and cartoons... Read More
I learned a valuable lesson recently. A short while ago,... Read More
Get at least 15 minutes of sunshine daily.Daily Exercise -... Read More
"We do not stop playing because we grow old. We... Read More
No need to go spend money at a spa! There... Read More
Worry, big or small blocks positive vibrations from entering your... Read More
Stress Management |