There are several ways to reduce stress. They fall into 3 areas:
1. Physical
2. Mental
3. Emotional
Usually people go to the gym to work out, play tennis, ride bikes, go to a show, movie, read a book, call or be with someone you feel close to, go out or eat a good meal.
It is reported that stress related health problems has benefited from the biochemical changes produced by humor and relaxation. Laughter, research suggests, reduces stress by increasing gamma interferon levels, an immune system enhancer.
Here are some ways to reduce your stress:
Regular exercise: Everything from aerobics to weightlifting to yoga will contribute to less stress. Be careful about competitive sports; losing consistently can also increase your stress level.
Condensed worrying: Set aside a half-hour each day for concentrated fretting. Worry will be exhausted after 30 minutes of dwelling on it and provides the time for constructive problem solving.
Put it into words: Talking about your stressful situation with a friend can be helpful. Writing in a journal is another stress-busting option.
Take a break: Rest is highly underrated. Sleep rejuvenates the immune system and protects it from stress damage. Getting up from your desk for 5 or 10 minutes is a simple but effective stress-fighter.
Planning: Setting goals and staying organized can reduce stress. Keep your plans flexible and realistic.
Relaxation techniques: There are many: meditation, breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, tai chi, massage, listening to soothing music. Start by adding 5 to 10 minutes of any relaxation activity to each day, and work your way to a half hour.
Get a change of scenery: A weekend getaway is an effective way to reduce stress.
Eustress: However, not all stress is harmful and sometimes it brings about beneficial results. Exercise is stressful activity, yet widely recommended because it forces the heart, lungs and muscles to grow stronger. Shopping for the right gift can be stressful–until you see the look on a loved one’s face. Even disagreeing with a co-worker might seem tense, until you realize it cleared the air and allowed you to work better together.
Ask yourself what is most important in your life and what are you doing to get there?
