Quick Stress Management Tips
When you feel like you're about to explode in rage, break down in tears, or just give up because you are feeling stressed out, take a moment to try one of these quick stress management tips.
Stress Management Tip #1 - Deep Breathing
Take a deep breath, hold it for a count of ten, and release it slowly. Just taking the two minutes or so of time that it takes to complete this exercise will take your mind off your troubles for a few minutes. You should also feel refreshed from all that oxygen, and your chest and shoulder muscles will benefit from expanding and contracting the rib cage.
Stress Management Tip #2 - Sensory Deprivation
You don't need a sensory deprivation device to accomplish this simple tip. Just closing your eyes for a few minutes turns off the visual stimulation that can add to stress. Similarly, shutting off all sound by wearing headphones or white-noise earbuds can help reduce stress also.
Stress Management Tip #3 - Punching Bag
You may not have a punching bag and a set of boxing gloves on hand, but any sort of physical activity can be a great stress reliever. If you possibly can, put the stressful situation on hold for a moment and climb a few flights of stairs, or do ten jumping-jacks, or shadow-box. Just making the exertion can make a big difference.
Stress Management Tip #4 - Laugh Out Loud
Laughing is contagious. Laugh out loud for 60 seconds. You may be fake-laughing for the first 15 seconds, but by the end of the one-minute period you will feel as if you are genuinely laughing at something hilarious.
Stress Management Tip #5 - Massage
So it may not be practical for you to stop what you are doing and get a massage, or maybe you're the kind of person who doesn't like strangers to touch your body. But giving yourself a massage will help relieve your stress. Close your eyes and apply gentle pressure to your temples, rubbing in a circular motion. Massage your scalp, from the hairline at the forehead to the back of your neck. Feel the tension disappear.
Stress Management Tip #6 - Stretch
Stretching is another quick way to release tension from your muscles. While standing or seated, face forward and roll your head to the right, straining to touch your shoulder with your ear (but don't lift your shoulder). Repeat on the left side. Let your chin drop to your chest and feel the stretch in your neck muscles. Extend your right arm up toward the ceiling, with the heel or your hand pressed high. Repeat on the left side.
