Stress is something everyone must endure on a daily basis.   How you choose to handle stress will play a critical role in your overall well-being.  Here are some simple and cost effective tips that may help you better manage your stress:

Take a bath or dip in the hot tub – This is a great way to relax rest muscle aches and joint pains.  It is shown that immersing your body in warm water will increase circulation and increase core body temperature, which in turn helps you fall asleep quicker.  Adding soothing music and candles is also a great addition.

Get active – Sometimes it may seem like there is not enough time in the day, however, even 15 minutes of some type of physical activity can greatly reduce stress and increase your energy level.  For instance, yoga can be extremely beneficial in many ways.  It can increase circulation and improve strength while helping the body build a natural defense to stress by promoting mental focus and calmness.

Reading – Instead of coming home and jumping right onto the couch to watch television, try getting into a good book and let your mind escape.  Reading is extremely calming and relaxing and it never hurts to increase one’s knowledge.

Organization – This may sound funny, but being more organized at home, in your car, and just life in general can greatly affect the way you deal with stress. If you’re the type of person that is always on the go, try making a to-do list. It is a terrific and effective way to help stay organized and focused in everyday life.

Breathing techniques – According to www.helpguide.org, “The key to deep breathing is to breathe deeply from the abdomen, getting as much fresh air as possible in your lungs. When you take deep breaths from the abdomen, rather than shallow breaths from your upper chest, you inhale more oxygen. The more oxygen you get, the less tense, short of breath, and anxious you feel.”

Breathing tips:

  • Sit comfortably with your back straight. Put one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach.
  • Breathe in through your nose. The hand on your stomach should rise. The hand on your chest should move very little.
  • Exhale through your mouth, pushing out as much air as you can while contracting your abdominal muscles.  The hand on your stomach should move in as you exhale, but your other hand should move very little.
  • Continue to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.  Try to inhale enough so that your lower abdomen rises and falls.  Count slowly as you exhale.

Source- http://www.helpguide.org

 

 

The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.