Research shows it’s much healthier to deal with stress on a day to day basis, taking it as it comes, as opposed to bottling it up inside. The more it builds up, the worse your mind and body begin to handle it. If you're feeling exasperated, try these tips for keeping chronic stress at bay.
Deep breathing
This is probably one of the easiest techniques around. Stop what you’re doing, close your eyes, and take several slow, deep breaths. Bring air in through the nose until your abdomen is full, and then slowly exhale out through your mouth. As you breathe in, imagine that the air is filled with calm, nice things. As you exhale, pretend you are exhaling the stress and tension right out of your body. Since your eyes are closed, try to picture yourself somewhere relaxing.
Go for a walk
Sometimes simply getting away from a stressful situation can help ease tension. Now, this doesn’t mean that if you’re in the middle of an argument with your partner you should leave the house to take a stroll. However, if you find yourself swimming in stress, take a ten minute walk around the block. Sunshine and fresh air can have a calming influence when your mind is getting all wound up, and sometimes just getting away from the cause of the stress can work wonders.
Progressive muscle relaxation
For this one, you’re basically going to move through your whole body and mentally tell each part of it to relax. Start at your toes, and think in your mind, “I’m relaxing my toes.” Work your way up, flexing and releasing each muscle group or body part as you reach it. “I’m relaxing my thighs.” Stretch out your legs, and let the tension go. “I’m relaxing my neck.” Wiggle your neck around; touch each ear to its shoulder and let your chin drop to your chest. You can pair deep breathing with muscle relaxation for optimum effect!
Make a list
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the things you have to do, write them down. Sometimes having everything on paper in front of you can make it seem less overwhelming. This also offers you the opportunity to rank your tasks in order of importance. As you get items accomplished, cross them off. Research has actually shown the sensation of marking something as complete can actually make you feel better than just the simple act of finishing a project.
Count to 10
Sometimes you don’t have the opportunity to take a walk or spend five minutes breathing and relaxing your muscles. Instead, you may find yourself getting wound up in the middle of a presentation, meeting, or even a job interview. This can cause you to say things you didn’t intend to and have a hard time keeping track of what’s going on. In situations like this, count to ten in your head before you open your mouth. It gives you a few seconds to collect yourself, and to everyone else it just looks like you’re giving serious thought to your answer. No one will be the wiser.
