7 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress - Evolution-Workouts.com

7 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress:

In the fast paced society we live in today, stress seems to follow us everywhere we go. Whether it’s studying for an exam or trying to find the car keys, it can seem almost impossible to avoid the nail biting presence of stress. Much of the stress and anxiety we allow into our everyday lives is actually unnecessary, and can be reduced or avoided by using various techniques.

Stress is the response to certain experiences, events or thoughts that activate the ‘fight or flight‘ response in the body. This can be useful in certain situations where danger may be present, but people tend to overuse this emotional response leading to various mental and physical health problems. Instead of only activating this response in critical situations (such as jumping out of the way of a moving vehicle), many of us will continually stress over minor details in our lives (such as deciding which outfit to wear to work) without even realizing it. The habit of allowing these small experiences to add unneeded stress to our already hectic lives can lead to many unwelcomed consequences in the future.

Stress can lead to a wide variety of health problems such as a rise in blood pressure, loss of memory, increased levels of visceral fat in the body, delayed wound healing, and can even quicken the aging process. Cortisol is also released when stressed, which can weaken the immune system by preventing the proliferation of T-cells. A weakened immune system can lead to other illnesses due to the body’s inability to properly fight infection.

Mental / Emotional symptoms of stress have shown to include depression, memory loss, constant anxiety / worrying, irritability, poor concentration, procrastination, isolation and sadness. Physical symptoms of stress have shown to include fatigue, headaches, irregular sleeping, increased heart rate, nausea, and increased frequency of sickness (weakened immune system).

There are various techniques you can use in order to help reduce and avoid the symptoms of stress:

1) Take Control of your Experiences:

Many of us allow ourselves to become stressed over situation we have complete control over. For instance, if going to the busy grocery store to do your shopping always causes you stress, you could start shopping online. If certain conversational topics make you uncomfortable, change the subject before your emotional state changes to a negative one. *In situations which are out of your control, you should try to ignore the negative while focusing your mind only on the positive.

2) Time Management:

Time can be a major factor that can cause stress if not managed properly. Not properly managing your time can lead to stressful situations such as being late, or procrastination which allows tasks to pile up. Take extra steps to get organized can help avoid becoming overextended with your tasks and activities.

3) Exercise:

Exercise is an excellent way to expend negative energy in a positive way. Exercising allows you to occupy the mind while also improving the physical condition of your body at the same time.

4) New Hobby:

Starting a new hobby can be a great way to deal with stress. Whether it’s learning an instrument or joining a bowling league, hobbies can take your mind off of anxiety and stress of daily life while focusing on an activity you enjoy.

5) Meditation:

Meditation has been used by many cultures and religions in order to calm the mind and body. Setting aside time for meditating each day will help clear your head and re-balance your body’s internal energy.

6) Living in the Moment:

Our internal thoughts and emotions can be a leading cause of stress. Constantly thinking about stressful issues can bring a lot of negativity into your mind and body. Living in the moment allows you to ignore past and future issues / problems which can distract you from focusing on the positive in the current moment. There is an upside to every situation if you know how to recognize it.

7) Simply Have Fun:

Life is full of challenges and stressful situations. Many of us become so busy with our daily tasks that we forget to find time to focus on ourselves. You should always set time aside in order to engage in activities which you enjoy, whether its going on vacation or simply having a conversation with positive people in your life. Not only is having fun enjoyable, but it’s also beneficial to your overall health and well-being.

Although each individual situation may require various and / or differentiating ways to handle stress, the six methods mentioned above will help you to begin relieving the symptoms of stress. There are also many unhealthy ways people attempt to cope with stress such as alcohol, smoking or over eating. Masking stress with these methods are unproductive and will only lead to greater health issues in the future.

Author: Jason Gandy

Published: October 16, 2013

Please Click Here to Subscribe to our Youtube Channel

Evolution-Workouts.com

Evolve both the body and mind with FREE Evolution Workout and Stretching videos for martial artists of any background or experience level.