Stress is the body's natural response to everyday events, from work to social interactions. How you choose to deal with that stress influences your overall health. Learning to manage your stress through stress management activities gives your body a break and helps prevent major health problems, according to the Mayo Clinic's website. Try several stress management exercises to find the method that best suits you.
Relaxation Techniques
Engaging in relaxation exercises allows your mind and body to recover from stress. A regular schedule for relaxation exercises gives your body the needed recovery time for long-term benefits. Set aside time each day to practice your choice of relaxation exercises. Yoga is a common option that promotes relaxation while improving your physical fitness. Meditation allows you to practice your focus while relieving stress. Deep breathing or visualizing a calming location also falls under relaxation techniques for stress management.
Time Out
A time out is often associated with misbehaving children. Giving yourself a time out from a stressful situation allows you to gather yourself and relax. Simply taking a walk outside to get away from a stressful work or home situation might be enough of a time out for some people. Using a personal day to get yourself out of the office for an entire day is another option. Still others may need a longer time out in the form of a weekend getaway. Taking a break from stressful situations allows you to clear your mind. When you return to the situation, you face it with a renewed energy.
Journal
A stress journal is an exercise that allows you to identify the major sources of your stress. A plain notebook works well for a basic stress journal. When you feel your stress levels rising, grab your stress journal and take notes. Document the cause of the stress and how you reacted to the situation. Include both your physical and emotional response. Make notes about ways you dealt with the stress to help alleviate it. The stress journal helps you avoid or handle a similar situation in the future.
Physical Activity
Working out your stress through physical activity gives you an added bonus of improved fitness. Exercise releases endorphins, which offer a boost in mood and attitude. Choose physical activities that fit your ability level. Schedule time to exercise at least 20 minutes for three or more times a week. Exercising with a friend makes you more likely to stick with your routine and allows you to talk about your stress or other topics for even more relief.
