Managing stress in our everyday lives is hardly a new issue for millions of us, but in recent years the market has exploded with self help books, gadgets, and stress management classes. Yet despite all these services designed to help our productivity by curbing our anxiety, we are finding it more and more difficult to relax. Why? Blame it on bad news on the job and economic front, increased family and social responsibilities, and constant digital distractions.
Believe it or not, bringing ourselves "back to basics" can help alleviate our stresses more effectively than any expensive massage chair or herbal supplement can. Here are a few tips to help bring back the calm.
Schedule breaks from digital distractions. Cell phones, email, text, and social networking sites can be fun and convenient, but all of these services allow us to be constantly available to others. To ensure a little down time, limit the number of times per day that you check your email, and set limits on when you will be available for calls or text messages.
Check your breathing. When we are under stress, we tend to breathe shallowly. Take a minute to really concentrate on your breathing; take a deep breath and exhale slowly and steadily. While you are exhaling, imagine that you are blowing the petals of a flower ever so softly.
Try journalism. The problem with worry is that it can run rampant on our thought processes; we simply don't know when to quit. Focus your thoughts by writing down a few specific worries and possible solutions, and then close the book on your anxiety.
The rewards of successful stress management will be immediate. Your health and mood will improve, and you will be able to organize your life more effectively. Here's to a calm and peaceful day ahead!
Believe it or not, bringing ourselves "back to basics" can help alleviate our stresses more effectively than any expensive massage chair or herbal supplement can. Here are a few tips to help bring back the calm.
Schedule breaks from digital distractions. Cell phones, email, text, and social networking sites can be fun and convenient, but all of these services allow us to be constantly available to others. To ensure a little down time, limit the number of times per day that you check your email, and set limits on when you will be available for calls or text messages.
Check your breathing. When we are under stress, we tend to breathe shallowly. Take a minute to really concentrate on your breathing; take a deep breath and exhale slowly and steadily. While you are exhaling, imagine that you are blowing the petals of a flower ever so softly.
Try journalism. The problem with worry is that it can run rampant on our thought processes; we simply don't know when to quit. Focus your thoughts by writing down a few specific worries and possible solutions, and then close the book on your anxiety.
The rewards of successful stress management will be immediate. Your health and mood will improve, and you will be able to organize your life more effectively. Here's to a calm and peaceful day ahead!
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