Stress Relief Techniques

Stressed out? Just relax! Stress is common and everybody goes through some kind of stress due to various reasons. Sometimes, acute stress is good; it keeps you alert when any situation arises. 

However, prolonged stress can take a toll on your life. It can increase the risk of physical as well as psychological issues. Here are few effective stress relief techniques that can be beneficial for you –

·         Mediation – Meditation is one of the best ways to relieve stress. It may change the brain’s neural pathways and help you manage stress effectively

·         Deep breathing – Sit quietly and focus on your breathing. Slowly inhale the air through your nose, feel the breath and exhale slowly; it reduces your stress dramatically

·         Focus on your senses – Focus on your behaviour and senses when you feel anxious

·         Socialise – Talk to your family members and friends, share your experiences and be socially active

·         Decompression – Place a heat wrap around your neck and shoulder for at least 10 minutes, or you can simply massage the head to relieve the tension

·         Laugh – Laughter therapy is one of the best ways to lighten up your mood; it lowers cortisol (stress hormone), and produce endorphins that refreshes your mood

·         Listen to soothing music – Soft and soothing music can lower your blood pressure, anxiety and stress

·         Exercise – Walking, swimming, yoga and other physical activities ease depression, anxiety and stress by producing feel-good chemicals in the body

These techniques are quite useful in managing your stress effectively. If you fail to experience improvement even after following the aforementioned steps, consult a psychologist or counsellor, who can help you deal with stress with other therapies.

In advanced cases, people may require oral medicines that can help them cope with stress. Make sure you consult a doctor before using any stress relief medications.