5 Ways to Reduce Stress

We know you're busy.  Between work, family, friends, kids, pets...there's always something that needs your attention.  If you're feeling a little stressed out, take a minute and try these tips.  We promise, it's not one more thing to do - this is for you!

 

1. Take a warm bath - warm water relaxes your muscles and helps you get rid of stiffness and sore joints. Lying in hot water before bedtime also causes your body temperature to rise, which enhances your ability to fall asleep faster. So take the extra 20 minutes to unwind for better sleep.
2. Try yoga and stretching - walking hard and getting your heart rate up is great, but sometimes you need to slow your heart rate down and focus on breathing. The slow movements and controlled positions of yoga improve muscle strength, flexibility, breathing, blood circulation and promote mental focus and calmness. Stretching also reduces tension and anxiety and slows down your heart rate. 
3. Exercise - you probably already know this one, but regular physical activity strengthens your muscles and releases endorphins, which reduce pain and induce euphoria, therefore improving your mood and mental concentration. There's also the added bonus of seeing the steps add up on your GoZone.
4. Put on some music - listening to calm, relaxing music is a great way to reduce stress and relieve anxiety. The soothing sounds reduce your tension, lower blood pressure, and and reduce cortisol, a hormone linked to stress. Find songs, or even nature sounds, that make you feel relaxed and play them to unwind.
5. Sleep - when you don't get enough sleep, your body doesn't have time to recover from the day and can feel tired and sore. This tired and sore feeling can cause physical and mental stress throughout the day, making you feel even more stressed. Try to put the work away, turn the TV off, and hit the sack at a reasonable hour to get about 7 to 8 hours each night. 

Comments

[Sheila]

I find the most relaxing thing for me is a long quiet hot soak in a tub. It relaxes my entire body and I feel revitalized at the end.

[Athena]

I just need to relax! I am kind of a high gear person, always have been. I tried some meditation, it really was quite soothing. It just trying to find quiet time. But if there is a will there is a way.

[Joe]

Pray!

[Nell]

sounds completely different but i don't think... try to clear your mind and play no music but i keep renewing my mind by not thinking of anything... its hard but i if i find my thoughts coming back i empty my mind again i just listen to the sounds around me... it reaaly helps me...blessings

[Aida]

Find a quiet place free of noise and sit and meditate for a while. Free your mind of negative thoughts and tell each part of your body to relax-starting with your toes to your mind- until your whole body relaxes, concentrate, you will feel much more relaxed.

[Chris]

Deep breathing and breathing mindfulness really work! These can also be combined with positive thoughts and affirmations.

[Debra]

I recently changed jobs which resulted in a longer commute to work. I use the drive time to and from work to pray. I also like to do word or number puzzles to relax.

[Carissa]

I relax by listening to audio books while driving or doing chores.

[Richard]

Listening to smooth jazz and reading a book is the way I relax. These tips are useful when put into practice.

[Rebecca Joyner]

I have relocated which has resulted in a longer commute to and from work. With this extended commute I have discovered I can use the extra time to listen to some music, get my thoughts together for starting my day and then take the time to reflect on my day and what the evening ahead has in store for me. I find this to be a great stress releiver.

[Jesse]

Find a relaxing hobby like reading. I taught myself how to knit this past year and it really helps me wind down at the end of a day, plus they say that it is good for your hands by reducing carpal tunnel.