Good Ways to Blow Off Steam

While it is easy to become so focused on the stress created by all of the things that have to be done, the deadlines that must be met and the time that should be spent doing other things, there are also easy ways to combat this stress and get back to operating from a clear perspective. Go ahead and blow off some steam!

Music

• An excellent way to relax and release can be readily accessed with the turn of a knob or the push of a button. Whether it is the soothing notes of a classical piece, the twang of a good country swing or some hard-hitting rock and roll, listening to music can instantly release some of that pent-up anxiety. Turn up the noise in the car and sing along at top volume, hum a few soothing bars in the shower or take a break and dance in your living room. The chemicals released by the brain while listening to music do the body good and focusing on something other than stress is always positive.

Exercise

• Another healthy way to get-it-out is to get out there. Exercise is one of the best ways to decompress. In addition to the healthy physical side effects, the psyche benefits from exercise as well. Take a long walk, look around and enjoy the beauty of nature and see the small things that are so often missed in the business of life. Hike, swim, bike, grab a racket and hit a few balls or take some time to expend some energy on something that is good for you. It is not necessary to get extreme with exercise to reap its rewards either. A simple walk around the block can put you miles away from the rigors of the day.

Relaxation

• Create a timeout zone where you can actually relax and do nothing. Find a quiet place to shut out the hustle and bustle. Dim or turn off the lights, fire up a scented candle and breathe deeply. Sit or lie down and focus on releasing anxiety; become aware of physical tension in your body and eliminate it. Relax your shoulders, repeatedly clench and unclench your jaw, your fingers, your toes and flex and release the muscles in your legs and arms. Close your eyes and visualize a peaceful place -- imagine the sand between your toes or the crisp scent of a pine forest, and take a mental vacation for 10 minutes.

Kindness

• Remember that doing things for others reaps several positive benefits for you as well. Taking the time to volunteer provides a wonderful outlet for stress. Simple acts of kindness can put into perspective the difficulties that threaten to overwhelm us. Reaching out in the simplest ways creates feelings of positive energy and is a wonderful way to revitalize feelings of self-worth and turn the negative energy within to good purpose.