Stress Relief

Stress can either be good or bad. It is good when it helps us become more productive and motivated and achieve our goals. It also makes us alert and act accordingly when we are in harmful or dangerous situations. On the other hand, it is bad when we get too much of it that instead of helping us achieve our goals or complete our tasks, it inhibits our ability to function on a daily basis. To prevent this from happening, we need some stress relief.

There are different kinds of stressors. Getting overworked is one of these – looming deadlines, working long hours, and so on. Negative thoughts, worries, death in the family, and disasters like fire and typhoon are also major stressors.

Stress can affect our over all health. It shuts our immune system down, making us more susceptible to various illnesses. It can also cause psychogenic disorders like depression and anxiety. It is therefore very important that we learn how to act when we are faced with stressful situations.

You may find instant stress relief in deep breathing. What you can do is find a quiet spot, and sit comfortably. Counting from 1 to 4 as you breathe in, take in a deep breath through your nose. Then as you count down from 4 to 1, exhale through your mouth. Do this 20 or 30 times. Another tested and proven strategy is exercise. When you exercise, you only not improve your blood circulation, your body also releases endorphins, special chemicals that help you feel good. Exercising does not only mean going to the gym, though. You also get to exercise by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or taking morning or afternoon walks, whether alone, your dog, or with your peers.

Psychotherapy can also be helpful. Talk to a family member or a friend about your frustrations or anything under the sun. Or, enroll in a counseling program. A trained counselor may be able to teach you relaxation techniques and other ways to deal with stressful situations.

Furthermore, a very important stress relief strategy is to take charge of stressors. Know yourself, each of the things that stresses you, and try to avoid them as much as possible. Take charge of your thoughts, feelings, schedules, and how you deal with problems. Do your best to achieve a balanced life, for it is through this that you are able to work, relax, build healthy relationships, and face the challenges that are surely to come your way.