Our lives are filled with numerous responsibilities. At times life may feel like a juggling act. Balancing career, family, and friends, along with the other areas in life which require our attention, can be quite stressful and overwhelming. Here are some tips to bring some balance to your daily routine and reduce stress:
Reframe the event that is contributing to the stressStress is determined by how you perceive a particular event. Reframe your response byacknowledging that the stressful event is not within your control and that you are in control of how you respond to the event.
DistractionFocus on something else to prevent the thoughts that are contributing to the stress.
Think Positively & Recite These Statements to Yourself
Develop positive affirmations to recite to yourself during times of stress. For example, My life is good and I will not allow this stress to impact me! or I can get passed this too!
Take a Mental VacationVisualize a place in which makes you feel happy and where you would want to be, for example, a beach in the Caribbean.
Count to 10 (or Count to Whatever Number It Takes to Reduce the Stress)
Get Up & Leave the Stressful Situation If PossibleTalk a walk, go to lunch.
Deep BreathingThe key to deep breathing is to breathe deeply from the abdomen, getting as much fresh air as possible into your lungs. When you take deep breaths from the abdomen, rather than shallow breaths from your upper chest, you inhale more oxygen. The more oxygen you get, the less tense, short of breath, and anxious you feel. Breathe by pushing out with stomach muscles to bring oxygen and energy into your body. Exhale and let go of the stress.
Scream Out Loud If You Can
Letting your emotions out can be helpful.
Exercise or Participate In Yoga/Tai Chi for Stress Relief
Yoga involves a series of both moving and stationary poses, combined with deep breathing. Not only can yoga reduce stress but it also can improve flexibility, strength, balance, and stamina. If you practice yoga on a regular basis, you can improve how you respond to stress. Since injuries can happen when yoga is practiced incorrectly, it’s best to learn by attending group classes, hiring a private teacher, or at least following video instructions.
