Help to De-Stress

Overview

Everyone deals with stress from time to time, and when it is in small amounts, it can actually be beneficial. It is when stress gets out of control and you feel like your world is caving in that the real problems develop. This can have a major impact on your home life, family life and career. It can even get to a point where you are having a hard time sleeping and functioning.

Causes

Stress can be caused from various events that take place in your life such as a long and grueling work schedule, loss of a job, the death of someone close to you or you might be going through a divorce or a bad relationship. When you are dealing with any of these situations, the smaller hassles in life such as getting stuck in traffic, or not finding a parking place can also have an impact.

Function

The function of de-stressing is to help you find ways to deal with stressful situations when they appear, and to recognize any triggers that can flare them up. After you have done that, you can create solutions to relieve your stress.

Exercise

Exercise is already known for its many benefits to the body such as better joint function, weight maintenance, increased circulation and a reduction in disease risk. When it comes to stress, aerobic activity like running, biking, swimming and walking can help release endorphins which are mood enhancing chemicals in the brain. It can also keep your mind occupied on something else instead of what's causing you stress. Exercise for 15 minutes or more every day. If you do not have time to do it all at once, then break it up into several sessions.

Relaxation Activity

Yoga is a type of mind/body exercise that has been around for hundreds of years. It is characterized by holding the body in various positions for a set amount of time. These are called "poses." Yoga can increase your balance, it can improve posture and it takes a lot of concentration and breath control, which can help relieve stress. Check your local gyms for yoga classes, or just get a DVD so you can practice at home.

Stretching

Stretching is used to lengthen tight muscles and to prevent injuries during exercise and routine activities. Tight, tense muscles are commonly seen when you are feeling stressed. Holding stretches can help increase blood flow to your muscles, and it can also allow you to take long, deep breaths, which can help you relax.

Massage

Massage is an alternative treatment that is used to relieve soreness in muscles. Massage therapists use their fingers, hands and knuckles to loosen tight muscles, and alleviate knots that might be in them. This can be very relaxing, and it can help relieve stress.

Expert Insight

Whenever you are about to get stressed about a situation, stop yourself. Close your eyes and visualize a happy resolution, or a different time where you were happy. Keep thinking about it and act like you are doing it right now. Continue the thought until you are calmed down. Chances are, your original situation was not as bad as you thought, and you will be able to handle it better. This is an example of guided imagery.