Super Simple Stress Relievers For Busy People
The Tree Pose
Deep breathing and a good stretch can help clear the mind and reduce tension build-up, so when you feel things are getting a bit much, try this simplified version of the yoga tree pose. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, arms relaxed at your sides and head facing forward. Close your eyes and as you take a deep breath in, raise your arms slowly towards your head and stretch them up and out. Lower your arms back down as you slowly exhale, and repeat three times.
Write Down What’s Worrying You
Writing or talking about the things that prey on you—in a diary, with friends, helps you feel less alone and helpless. One study, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, looked at people who had either rheumatoid arthritis or asthma— conditions known to be stress-sensitive. One group chronicled in a perfunctory manner the things they did each day. The other group was asked to write daily about what it was like, including fears and pain, to have their disease. What researchers found: People who wrote at length about their feelings had far fewer episodes of their illness.
Look At Cute Animals
As if you need an excuse eh? Yes, a few minutes spent looking at pictures of cute dogs and fluffy kittens can help to ease stress and rebalance your emotions.
Worry About One Thing At A Time
Women worry more than men do. A study of 166 married couples who kept stress diaries for six weeks found that women feel stress more frequently than men because women tend to worry in a more global way. Whereas a man might fret about something actual and specific a woman will tend to worry abstractly about her job, her weight, plus the well-being of every member of her family. One of the best simple stress relievers is to keep your anxiety focused on real, immediate issues, and tune out imagined ones or those over which you have zero control, and you’ll automatically reduce stress overload.
Once A Day, Get Away
Checking out for 10-15 minutes is revitalizing. Find a place where you can be alone. The bathroom, a quiet cafe, a big oak tree—and wipe the slate clean for a few minutes. Do whatever it is that relaxes you: Meditate, read a novel, sing or sip tea. It’s crucial to take just a few minutes everyday to de-stress. It’s not how much time you allot, but being consistent that’s important.
Laugh
It’s true what they say – laughter really is the best medicine. It stimulates circulation and soothes tension, which relieves some of the physical symptoms of stress. Laughter also increases endorphins released by the brain and produces a relaxed feeling.
So, this is another one of our favourite simple stress relievers. Just surround yourself with a few items that will make you laugh. Keep funny videos book marked in your browser. Talk to a co-worker with a hearty sense of humor or share a funny story. A willingness to laugh at yourself sometimes can also serve as a good reminder not to take life so seriously, which can do wonders for your stress levels.
Student Life Stress
Being a student can be very stressful. You’re likely to have moved away from your support network. Taken on new responsibilities and gone into an exciting, independent lifestyle that can take it’s toll. There has been a noted increase in requests for counseling from students. Universities have reported that students feel under more pressure, perhaps due to the higher costs of education and a more insecure job market. There are many comprehensive reducing student stress guides out there to help you through what can be a very challenging time.
