Stress is everywhere, and when bills pile up, family pressures mount, or things get hard at work or school, sometimes it feels like you're just going to snap. While you may or may not be able to do anything about the stressors in your life, there are some simple stress relief exercises and techniques you can use to help yourself cope.
Get Physical
Physical exercise, whether it consists of a 10-minute walk or an intense workout, is one of the most effective stress-relief techniques there is, according to MayoClinic.com. The clinic reports exercise triggers your brain to produce endorphins, which are natural mood-enhancers, and that focusing on your body's movements, as you do while swimming or playing racquetball, helps take your focus off your frustrations. The clinic recommends finding an activity you truly enjoy, so that exercise won't seem like just one more thing on your to-do list.
Use Visualization
Visualization, which means picturing yourself in a soothing environment, is a form of meditation MayoClinic.com recommends for stress relief. You can visualize a mountain lake, the beach, an underwater environment such as a coral reef, or any other place you find soothing. The clinic recommends mentally engaging all your senses in order to get the maximum benefit from visualization. For example, you could imagine the smell of salty sea air, or how a fresh mountain breeze might feel on your skin.
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is a relaxation exercise you can do anywhere, any time. According to Helpguide.org, deep breathing actually signals your body to relax, slow your heart rate, and calm you down. Deep breathing also helps remove stress hormones from your system, reports HelpGuide.org. They recommend focusing on your abdomen when you take slow breaths; your stomach should move more than your chest. HelpGuide.org also recommends counting slowly, perhaps to 10 or 20, as you take each breath.
Keeping a Journal
Keeping a journal is a final, and effective, stress-reduction exercise. There are several ways to keep a journal. Beth DuPree, a medical doctor associated with BreastCancer.org, recommends keeping a gratitude journal, in which you can list either the things you are thankful for in general, or good things that happen throughout the day. You can also use a journal to record your responses to your problems, which may help you sort out your feelings. However, be careful to write positive things as well as negative ones; listing only negative aspects of your life actually increases your stress level, according to BreastCancer.org.
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