Managing stress should not be a chore lest the undertaking create even more tension. Instead, you can approach stress management with an eye for what feels good or fun for you. Everything you truly enjoy doing will automatically relax you or improve your mood, both of which contribute to stress management. If you make time to indulge a little and do the things you enjoy for the sake of your health, you'll quickly be on your way to fun stress management. Although you may not be able to avoid all stress, you can learn how to invoke the relaxation response, which is a state of deep rest that Dr. Jeanne Segal describes as "the polar opposite of the stress response."
Dancing
Dancing is lots of fun and that enjoyability allows you to release tension in a healthy way. Music is therapeutic and dancing to music can improve your mood and leave you feeling elated and relaxed. Whether the music is fast or slow, seductive or rhythmic, dancing to music provides an effective mental boost that relieves stress and releases endorphins. Whether you enjoy ballroom, belly dancing, hip hop or salsa, you are sure to reap the benefits of this fun stress management activity.
Massage
The wonder of touch is a fun and liberating path to stress reduction. The Mayo Clinic confirms that massage is generally considered part of complementary and alternative medicine for stress management because it releases tension and toxins that have built up in your body. The massage will forcibly relax your muscles and the effects are often long lasting. Since the massage room is likely to be dimly lit with pleasant music, the very environment can evoke your relaxation response. There are different types of massage, yet all are effective in reducing tension and stress enjoyably. Massage is often recommended at monthly or bi-monthly intervals for a stress management or self-care regimen.
Laughter
Laughter is often considered the best medicine for stress and tension. When you have a good laugh, endorphins are released and that makes you feel good and helps you manage stress better. The Mayo Clinic reports that the short-term benefits of laughter include relieving your stress response, relieving tension and stimulating internal organs. Watching a funny movie or participating in a laughter yoga class can take your mind off stressful situations. Other ways to have a few good laughs include bookmarking fun websites, comics or witty blogs. Take a few minutes every day to read them and laugh your stress away. The act of laughing helps your body fight stress in a number of ways.
