How to Stop Being Tense

Tension, stress and anxiety are a part of life for most people. Tension can lead to serious health problems, so it is important to develop techniques and coping mechanisms that help to alleviate tension. The techniques that help to relieve stress range from simple relaxation techniques that you can do at the office for five or ten minutes, to meditation and physical exercises that you can incorporate into your daily routine.

Instructions

• 1

  Pay attention to symptoms that indicate tension. Our bodies deal with tension in different ways, and it may not be obvious to us that we are overly tense. The first step in dealing with tension is to be aware of its symptoms. Some of the major indicators of stress include tense muscles, trouble sleeping and persistent tiredness, aches and pains, increased heart rate, hyperventilating and light-headedness, loss of appetite, and the inability to concentrate or focus during the day.

• 2

  Tense and then relax different muscle groups in your body. Start with your hands. Stretch your hands until your fingers are straight and you feel the tension in your palms. Then let your hands relax and hang loosely. Repeat the exercise three times. Repeat similar techniques with the other muscle groups in your body such as your facial muscles and your shoulders, neck and head.

• 3

  Practice deep breathing exercises. Tension causes hyperventilation that leads to dizziness or light-headedness. Deep breathing helps to relieve hyperventilation and is a useful technique for relieving anxiety. Take slower and deeper breaths. Try to breath from the abdomen. Combine deep breathing with meditation exercises. Close your eyes or focus on a fixed object in the room. The goal is to take your mind off of the causes and sources of the tension and anxiety.

• 4

  Incorporate an exercise routine into your week. Physical exercise and activity is one of the best ways to deal with tension and stress. Find an exercise routine that is enjoyable and that works with your daily schedule. This may involve jogging or walking in the morning before work, working out at a gym or joining a community sports team.

• 5

  Accept the fact that life is full of ambiguities and uncertainties. Life often confronts us with the unpredictable and the unexpected. If you feel the need to be in constant control of every situation, you will be easily frustrated and tense with situations beyond your control.