Being stressed out all the time can make it tough to enjoy life. Everyone has experienced some form of stress or another and it affects everyone differently. The effects of anxiety can range from serious health problems like heart disease and obesity to slighter things, such as frazzled nerves and that heavy feeling in the chest that many of us know all too well.
It is important for everyone to find different ways to relax after a stressful day. Stress happens, but how you respond to such stress may make all the difference. "Relaxation is a process that decreases the wear and tear on your mind and body from the challenges and hassles of daily life," says a Mayo Clinic article on "Relaxation Techniques: Learn Ways to Reduce Your Stress." Just as exercise and good nutrition are important for good health, so are stress management techniques.
Find Your Quiet Spot
One of the first and most important steps in learning to calm the nerves is finding the right place to do it. Find a quiet place where you can be alone with your thoughts. The more quiet the area you select, the better. It doesn't have to be a large space. A quiet spot in your backyard, an empty guest room in your home or even the bottom of a closet in your house--choose a nice, quiet place where you can calm your nerves in peace.
Harness the Power of Your Breath
Sometimes, a few deep breaths are all that are needed to dispel the effects of frazzled nerves. For such a simple method of calming yourself, the aforementioned quiet space is all that you need to relax. According to Help Guide.org, "the more oxygen you get, the less tense, short of breath and anxious you feel."
To relax, sit comfortably and upright in your quiet place. Breathe in through your nose and fill your stomach with breath. As you exhale, breathe out through your mouth and release the breath from your belly. Close your eyes to find a state of peace inside you. When you open them, your view on life and its stressors might be a little different, and a lot better.
Work It Out
According to the Mayo Clinic, "virtually any form of exercise can decrease the production of stress hormones and counteract your body's natural stress response." Whether you like yoga, running, tai chi, weight lifting or something else, these activities can work to your advantage by strengthening the body and heart and dispelling frantic nerves at the same time.
The next time you feel an attack of the nerves coming on, put on a comfortable pair of shoes and head out to the gym or for a run--not only will your body feel better but your nerves will be calmer as well.
