To let stress take over your life. From career to family to health to money to any and everything in between, most people feel like there simply isn’t enough time in a day to get everything done. Stress is bad enough in and of itself, but stress can also cause real physical and emotional harm if it is allowed to go unchecked. There are many drugs that are designed to reduce stress, but is putting extra drugs and chemicals in your system really the best way to balance things out? There is a better way to reduce stress in your life.
One of the best and most tried and true ways for reducing stress is through meditation. Though it may sound intimidating, meditation has occurred in every culture in one form or another throughout history. The following steps will help you learn to clear your mind and relax, and you will be amazed at how the stress seems to just melt away!
Begin each relaxation time by reducing distractions, noise, and interruptions. Give yourself the time and privacy you need. Find a comfortable sitting position, wear loose and comfortable clothing. Relax and take several deep breaths. Close your eyes and try to mentally focus on one peaceful word, thought, or image. If there is a picture, a memory, anything that tends to calm you, try to picture that. For some people it’s the sound of the ocean, for others waterfalls, and for yet others, the memory of staring off a mountain peak. Clear your head, and let your muscles loosen up, don’t worry about what is going on around you. Relax and enjoy the peace that your image brings to you.
When you feel yourself drifting away from the image, don’t force it to stay. Stretch and exhale deeply as you wrap up. This is the most initial and basic form of meditation. While it would work in and of itself to reduce stress, this is also the basis for several other exercises and meditations. When you choose to push on, you will always want to start with this basic meditation and relaxation. As you go into further exercises, concentrate on whatever phrases help you relax. “Nice and easy,” is a good generic one, while Christian meditation may use a scripture such as there are meditative scriptures for almost any faith, and plenty of non-religious phrases, chants, or incantations. Find the phrase that works for you, and look around for other exercises. Meditation is a great way to relax, and will do more to improve your health and reduce stress than any drug, and the only side effect is a calmer healthier life as a result of your improved mood!
Almost any form of exercise or movement can increase your fitness level while decreasing your stress. The most important thing is to pick an activity that you enjoy. Examples include walking, stair climbing, jogging, dancing, bicycling, yoga, tai chi, gardening, weightlifting and swimming.
Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress. “When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are hormones that fight stress, Exercise helps you get your mind off your problems and clears your head.
The benefits of aerobic exercise — like running, dancing, spinning, and in-line roller-skating — include an increased heart rate. When your heart rate is accelerated, your body releases endorphins, natural opiates that make you feel good with no side effects. High-energy activities help you feel better physically and mentally. Just be sure to check with your doctor before starting any high-intensity workouts.
Yoga, an excellent stress-relief exercise, involves a series of moving and stationary poses, or postures, combined with deep breathing. A mind-body exercise, yoga can strengthen your body’s natural relaxation response and bring you into a healthy balance. For stress relief, do gentle yoga or yoga for beginners — popular “power yoga” classes may be too intense if your main goal is to ease stress.
Long-distance running, biking, cross-country skiing, and other outdoor activities provide a change of scenery and a dose of fresh air, both of which can help clear your mind. Also, outdoor settings such as mountains, a biking trail, or a neighborhood park are pleasant places to spend time in. Beautiful settings, especially in spring and fall, can lift your mood and shake up your workout routine.
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