Work stress can be such a terrible thing and can really stop you performing at the very top level. Anxiety is something that affects us all in some way or another, but the key is how we manage it and deal with it. Even though you may perceive you don’t have time to unwind, you do and each of our stress relieving tips can help.
Build Resilience
One of the best ways to prevent stress is to build resilience to it and this can be done by meditation. Only 10 minutes a day can help dramatically and make you significantly more resilient to issues. It’s easy and if you really want help there are plenty of great apps out there to aid you.
Breathe
Breathing deeply sends signals to your body that you are okay and that you are focused. Give yourself a five minute break if you feel stress incoming and close your eyes, slowly inhale through the nose into your abdomen and then exhale through your mouth slowly a short period afterwards. This will greatly reduce stress levels, slows the heart rate and reduces blood pressure.
Be Here
Being present and aware of what’s going on and not worrying about where you need to be will help you relax significantly. Rushing from A-B, stuffing down lunch and not being aware of yourself or your surroundings causes stress. Try and focus on the little things in life. Such as, when outside be aware of the air, or when eating lunch be aware of the taste of the food. These little things help focus your senses and this reduces stress.
Talk
Talking to others offers a form or catharsis and is a great way to manage stress levels and get things out in the open. Talking face to face is the best way to reduce stress and help your relax.
Tune In
Tuning into how your body feels and how stress is impacting on you can really help your reduce it. Simply lie down on your back and focus on each and every part of your body separately, beginning at the bottom and working your way to the top. All you have to do is be aware of where’s loose and imagine oxygen flowing through it and you’ll find your body will relax and stress flows out of those areas.
Tennis Ball
Placing a tennis ball underneath your shoulders when lying on a hard floor and rolling on it helps massage away tension in the back. Lean on the ball and hold on the pressure for 15 seconds and you should begin to loosen tense muscles or knots.
Laugh
At Performance on Demand we believe that there are few things as good as a good laugh to unload mental stress. Laughing lowers cortisol levels – the bodies stress hormone and releases mood enhancing endorphins. So, next time you feel down have a laugh.
Music
Soothing music can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure. Simply, sit down and focus on a relaxing piece of music and watch the stress fall away. Rocking out and singing at the top of your voice can also be good.
Exercise
Go for a run, it’s a great way to reduce stress and anxiety and also helps you keep fit. Once again, exercise helps with feel good chemicals and helps you deal better with stress. It’s also good for the heart and body too.
Remember the Good things
There are so many good things in our lives and a lot of us aren’t always grateful for them. Keep a token reminder that helps you associate your mind with these things and you’ll stay positive.
These are ten great ways to stay on top of stress and keep positive and happy in your daily work and home life.
Cormac Reynolds is a writer and a journalist who has written for a variety of websites on positive thinking. He meditates and loves busting stress.
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