1. Unwind With Japa Meditation
Practiced since ancient times in the Hindu and Buddhist religions, japa meditation differs from other meditation forms in that it involves repeating a mantra. While the true purpose of japa meditation is religious, it's also an effective way to relieve stress and clear the mind. Japa meditation is easy, requiring only a quiet space, a few spare minutes and an appropriate mantra. Traditional mantras, most of which derive from names for Hindu deities, include "Ram Nam," "Gayatri" and "Aum" ("om"). Most people use the same one each time they meditate. In true japa, the mantra is repeated 108 times per session. Many practitioners of japa use a string of wooden beads to keep track, gliding their thumb from one bead to the next as they chant. However, while helpful, the beads aren't entirely necessary if you just want to benefit from japa's relaxing effects. Simply sit cross-legged on the floor, on a cushion if you wish, and place your hands on your knees with your palms facing up. Close your eyes and completely relax the muscles in your face, especially your forehead and jaw. You can chant your mantra out loud in a low, calm tone or simply let the word cycle through your mind. Allow yourself several minutes to meditate each day, ignoring any distractions that may occur. Many people who practice japa report feeling a significant decrease in stress.
2. Maximize Deep Sleep
Inadequate sleep is a proven to exacerbate stress. But what can you do if your schedule keeps you from getting the optimal seven to eight hours of sleep experts recommend? While nothing can replace actual sleep time, you can improve the quality of your crucial deep (REM) sleep by investing in a bio-alarm clock. Usually worn on the wrist, these alarms monitor your sleep waves and wake you up only during a light sleep phase to avoid disrupting an REM cycle. If you've ever felt exhausted and edgy all morning after being jolted out of a deep dream state, you know what disrupted REM feels like. Instead of waking you up at 7:00 a.m. on the dot every day, a bio-alarm clock may wake you a few minutes before or after, depending on your sleep cycle readings. As a result, you'll feel more relaxed and refreshed.
3. Calm Yourself With Color
Color therapy is a branch of alternative medicine based on ancient Indian techniques. By exposing patients to specific combinations of colors, it attempts to counteract ailments by sparking positive reactions in the brain. While you may be skeptical of color's power to cure disease, it's hard to deny that certain colors like pale green and blue do have a soothing effect on the mind. There are several ways to relieve stress through color without visiting a professional therapist. Try painting one or more walls of your office or other often-used room a stress-fighting solid color like soft gray, light pink, warm white, warm beige, or peaceful blue or green. Instead of hanging things on the wall, keep it empty to let the color breathe. In addition, some websites now offer customized color therapy sessions for a small fee--you simply sit back and relax as you watch the changing colors on your screen.
