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Activities to Help Cope With Stress

If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious and are experiencing frequent headaches or stomachaches due to stress, you should consider stress management. While stress is a natural and helpful physical reaction that increases your adrenaline and concentration, too much stress is dangerous to your health. Make positive lifestyle changes to cope with stress, such as joining the gym or taking a meditative class, in order to prevent further damage to your heart and immune system.

  1. Relaxation Techniques

    • Learn how to relax. Relaxation techniques, when practiced on a regular basis, will help you cope in stressful situations. Teach yourself how to relax successfully, and you will be able to refocus your mind on things that are calm as you become more aware of your own body. There are several relaxation techniques. One type, autogenic relaxation, employs a combination of visual images and relaxed breathing. Mentally, repeat words or phrases that allow you to relax, such as the word "peace" or a favorite vacation destination. Control your breathing and relax your muscles simultaneously to achieve stress reduction. With slowed breathing, your heart rate will decrease, reducing the physical effects of stress on your body.

    Exercise

    • Exercise is a stress-fighting activity that increases your overall well-being. Any type of physical activity that is done repetitively takes your concentration away from the stressful situation as you focus on the movement. You increase your endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that make your brain feel good. Consistently exercising gives you a sense of pride and self-confidence of doing something healthy for your body. This leads to a mood-enhancing ability that helps you to cope with stressful situations, thanks to your increased optimism and positive attitude. Exercise needs to be routine in order for you to receive the maximum amount of stress-relieving benefits. Start an exercise routine and set a goal for yourself. Choose an activity that you are interested in, and find an exercise partner for encouragement and to hold yourself accountable. Ideas for exercise programs include walking, swimming, belly dancing, yoga or gardening.

    Tai Chi

    • Tai chi is a self-defense technique that began in ancient China. Useful in coping with stress, tai chi is known as meditation through motion because it joins your mind and body as one through the movements. The gentle movements of tai chi are a form of exercise that involves a set of postures completed in a fluid manner. You are constantly moving and focused on each pose, relaxing your mind and strengthening your muscles, which releases endorphins. With more than 100 movements, some of which mimic animals and objects in nature, one way to begin tai chi is by learning the movements from a tai chi instructor. Otherwise, books and videos are available that teach this form of martial arts. No other special equipment is required, and the self-paced movements are appropriate for all ages.

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