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De-Stress In 60 Seconds

September 13, 2007

Learn how to stop burnout in its tracks with the following instant calming tricks for a lower- temperature life. 

1) Get A Grip: When we are stressed we think that our situation is far worse than it actually is. This makes us even more anxious. Restore your sense of perspective by thinking of your calmest, most sensible friend and asking how they would respond in the same situation.

2) Rub It Out: Our bodies have certain pressure points that when massaged, alleviate stress. One of the most powerful is the gastric point. You will find it two or three finger widths down from your belly button. You will know when you have got it as it is very sensitive. Using two fingers, gently massage it. The more often you do it, you will feel less stressed. 

3) Stroke A Pet: Research has found petting your dog, cat or rabbit reduces stress and lowers blood pressure. It also boosts mental and physical health.

4) Adjust Your Focus: This exercise is great for doing at your work desk. Focus on a spot on the wall opposite you. Keeping your head still, broaden your field of vision until you are aware of what is going on out of the corner of each eye. 

5) Stretch And Flex: When we are under pressure our body produces stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Physical movement helps burn them off. Try this simple exercise, stand up and gently stretch to your fullest possible extent. Shake your hands and arms briskly, then shrug your shoulders. If possible, shout as loudly as you can, otherwise scream silently by opening your mouth wide and forcing out air.

6) Take A Mental Shower: How can you stop colleagues stressing you out? Just wipe away their negative energy. Visualize it as a physical substance, like a red powder that is coating you. Then using vigorous sweeping motions, dust off every part of your body. It sounds silly, but our subconscious mind is very literal so this sends a powerful message to it that you are dumping your stress.

7) Breathe Easy: When we are stressed, we take shallow breaths from the chest, instead of breathing properly from the stomach. Breathing from the stomach allows 30 percent more oxygen into your lungs. Thus helping to relax the body. 

8) Tidy Up: When things start spinning out of control, spend a minute tidying your surroundings like clean out a drawer, organize a file or de-clutter your handbag. This simple act of taking charge of something however small will help you feel more on top of things.

9) Have A Warble: Belting out the chorus of your favorite song at full whack releases stress. Singing a tune you love at the top of your voice provides enough positive stimulation to help override your negative stress response.

10) Follow Your Nose: Our nostrils take it in turns to draw in more air. By getting both working together, you will deliver more oxygen to your brain and regulate serotonin levels, leaving you happier and more relaxed.

11) Put It On Paper: If your “To Do” list is spiraling out of control, scribble down a plan of action. Prioritize all your tasks into three groups- First: What’s urgent, Second: What’s important, Third: What can wait. It will help make that mountain of tasks seem less insurmountable.

12) Have A Cuppa: Drinking tea reduces stress hormone levels like cortisol upto 47 percent.

13) Laugh It Off: Research shows laughter relieves stress, lowers blood pressure and boosts our immune system. Look in the mirror and simply begin to chuckle at yourself. 

14) Take The Long View: When bad things happen, ask yourself: Will this matter in six months? Or a year? Or five years? Usually the answer is “No,” which helps. Inputs of this article is from Daily Mirror.

 

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Written by Nayna · Filed Under Fitness Quotient 

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