Are you having a stressful week?
Does your week seem to just keep getting worse?
If you could learn some simple ways to relax and reduce stress would that make a difference in your performance?
Would it make a difference in your attitude?
The job I had 10 years ago was really stressful and I struggled to find ways to reduce the stress. I tried several things like having a beer when I got home from work, exercise, and even yoga but these methods were only temporary and I had to either be off work, at the gym or in a yoga class to use those methods. But then I learned some simple ways that I can relax.
The five best ways I found to relax and reduce stress daily at any time, anywhere.
- Deep breathing: Your metabolism decreases. Your heart beats slower and your muscles. Your breathing becomes slower. Your blood pressure decreases. Your levels of nitric oxide are increased. https://www.stress.org/take-a-deep-breath
- Meditation: As you focus during meditation, your mind finds a quiet place wherein you can concentrate in spite of random thoughts. This brings a sense of serenity that you would not consciously experience in the outside world; however, you can learn to induce the meditative state in your everyday life. Once you develop a tendency to focus on the present and on your inner stillness, you’re better equipped to essentially ignore the random thoughts that would normally interrupt you. https://eocinstitute.org/meditation/how-meditation-changes-thought-patterns/
- Take up a new hobby: “It’s important to have a stress-relieving hobby because there are so many things in our day to day lives that cause stress, and there are so few things in our day to day that actually helps counter that stress,” says John Turner, Founder of QuietKit, over email. 11 Hobbies That Can Reduce Stress
- Get restful sleep: Sleep is a powerful stress reducer. Following a regular sleep routine calms and restores the body, improves concentration, regulates mood, and sharpens judgment and decision-making. You are a better problem solver and are better able to cope with stress when you’re well-rested. Get a free App at https://www.sleepscore.com/how-to-rest-your-way-to-less-stress/
- Reading: It is a proven fact that reading can help reduce stress. Many of us take this simple act for granted, because we have so much “required” reading in our daily lives-the newspaper, traffic signs, emails, and bills. But how often do we read for pleasure? Reading can be a wonderful (and healthy) escape from the stress of everyday life. Simply by opening a book, you allow yourself to be invited into a literary world that distracts you from your daily stressors. https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/reading-stress-relief
Personally, my favorite stress reducer is meditation. Meditation has helped me clear out the nagging self-critical thoughts gave me back my confidence and allows me to be more present with people. I have learned when I encounter a stressful situation I can to take as little as 2 minutes to meditate, clear my mind and focus on an outcome that is a win-win for everyone.
My second favorite stress reducer is deep breathing, When I wake up from a stressful dream I can start deep breathing and immediately go back to sleep. I have used deep breathing when driving and I am running late I can start deep breathing and remind myself I don’t have control if I’m stuck in traffic and I might be late for work, I just take deep breaths and text my client that I’m running and I will be there as soon as possible.
Try on or two of the methods listed to reduce stress in your life and remember to make it a practice, it may take a couple of weeks to gain the benefits but stick with it and you will love it.
One other tool I have used to help with gaining control of my thoughts is called the Seven Day Mental Diet by Emmet Fox. If you would like a copy please contact me through my facebook page.
Heres to a happy healthier stress-free life!