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Natural Stress Relief Techniques

We all encounter varying degrees of stress in our lives. Stress can affect our health, work performance, social life and our relationship with our family. While we may not be able to completely eliminate stress, learning to manage it with a few simple stress relieving techniques can greatly improve our lives.

  1. Get Moving

    • Physical exercise is a great stress buster. It relaxes tense muscles and provides an outlet for negative emotions such as frustration, anger and irritability. Also, physical activity gives your body the ability to release endorphins which are mood elevating chemicals in the brain. Take the time to go for a walk, enroll in an exercise class, participate in a favorite sport or even just wash the car. Burn up energy and let go of some of that pent up tension. A little exercise will not only have you feeling more relaxed and focused, it can help you get a good night's sleep.

    Meditate

    • Meditation is a simple and effective way to clear your mind, decrease anxiety and achieve a sense of calm and relaxation. It reduces your heart rate, slows breathing and brings your blood pressure to a normal level. Find a quiet spot to sit and concentrate. Focus your undivided attention on one specific object in the room, a positive image or even your breathing. Concentrate and relax. Taking 10 minutes a day to meditate can help clear your mind of scattered thoughts and information overload.

    Put Pen to Paper

    • Keep a journal. Putting your true thoughts and feelings on paper is a great way to relieve stress. It can help you clear your thoughts and understand your feelings, allowing you to learn more about yourself. It also helps to solve problems, by allowing you to analyze and pick apart a problem, so it is easier for you to find a solution. Jotting down your fears and anxiety can help you clear your mind and just make you feel better.

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