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.
after renovation cleaning Wilmette ..Stress is more than just unpleasant. It's dangerous. Try these... Read More
As we celebrate yet another Labor Day, I thought it... Read More
Q: We recently had someone come to our company to... Read More
The United Nations declares workplace stress to be a worldwide... Read More
Deceiving? You bet they are. How? Without your even knowing... Read More
Have you ever noticed what occurs when you are suddenly... Read More
Stress is often seen as being unhealthy, but for some... Read More
Everyone knows that stress isn't good - that it can... Read More
Too much driving, too much shopping, too much rushing around,... Read More
Modern stress is habitual, and is something that the vast... Read More
It is very true that, unfortunately, many people look to... Read More
How much attention is paid to one of the biggest... Read More
Have you ever said the words, "This job/my life is... Read More
Several studies, including one of medical students around exam time,... Read More
IntroductionTime magazine called stress the "The Epidemic of the Eighties".... Read More
I recently received this e-mail message about stress management (author... Read More
Q. Help! I moved from the Dallas to Denver. I... Read More
My son was watching a Richard Scarry video this morning... Read More
Part 1: Recognize the importance of family stress managementJoe and... Read More
Think back a few years to the nine coal miners... Read More
1)Excessive worryNo, I'm not saying "don't worry, be happy."Well-used worry... Read More
Of all the sources of stress in our lives, faulty... Read More
Stress seems to have become a constant factor in today's... Read More
Writing down our thoughts and feelings, as in keeping a... Read More
In order to free ourselves from the pain of anger... Read More
interior house cleaning Wilmette ..As Montaigne said, "he who fears he will suffer, already... Read More
Q: We recently had someone come to our company to... Read More
Q. Help! I moved from the Dallas to Denver. I... Read More
Meditation, relaxation and visualisation are the standard recommendations for reducing... Read More
Everyday can be full of stress but we all deserve... Read More
The National Center for health statistics reported that in 1997,... Read More
There is one sure fire medicine that cures all difficulty... Read More
A while back, I was in a minor fender-bender accident,... Read More
Life is so busy and as mothers we spend so... Read More
Several studies, including one of medical students around exam time,... Read More
As tools for change are discussed, one tool - that... Read More
What part of no don't you understand? - Bumper stickerThe... Read More
We strive for excellence in our lives, going at full... Read More
The United Nations declares workplace stress to be a worldwide... Read More
1. Take a relaxing bath. Add music, candles and a... Read More
We so often take the feelings of happiness and saddness... Read More
The Mask of "I've Got It All Together"It's so easy... Read More
At what age does the benefit of play cease? Child... Read More
It is an inescapable fact, we live in a stressful... Read More
Have you ever said the words, "This job/my life is... Read More
Q. I've been told that I need to learn from... Read More
After a stressful day as a computer programmer, Jim pulled... Read More
You probably think I'm wacko, but it's true - stress... Read More
Workplace stress is on the rise and it's costing corporate... Read More
This summer, get away, without going away. Take a mini... Read More
Stress Management |