Stress anxiety can result from any situation that makes you feel anxious, angry or frustrated for an extended period of time. Some level of stress is unavoidable. Although no one can eliminate all of the stress from her life, healthy ways to control stress are essential to an optimal lifestyle. There are many ways to control stress. This article explains numerous simple and effective ways to deal with stress to promote a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Engaging the Relaxation Response
Dr. Herbert Benson, from the Harvard Medical School, has developed what he calls the "Relaxation Response." He has found that mental functions are greatly improved when anxiety is reduced through engaging the "relaxation response." This is done by focusing on a single thought for approximately 20 minutes. Dr. Benson has written a best-selling book called "The Relaxation Response."
Avoid Negative Attitudes
It is easy to let other people's stress and negativity allow you to become more anxious and stressed. Make a point to surround yourself with people who radiate a positive attitude and have a positive outlook on life.
Make Time to Treat Yourself Each Day
It is surprising how doing something small for yourself makes you less anxious. Appreciate yourself. Take the time to call a good friend; read a book that you've been wanting to read but have not found the time to do so; get a favorite food, such as ice cream. Go to the theater or a movie. Get yourself a new outfit or a new haircut. Go for a walk in the park or plan to engage in your favorite outdoor activity on the weekend.
Get a Massage
Massage releases the tension from the muscles and aids in the relaxation of the muscles, body and mind. Studies by the Touch Research Institute of the University of Miami report a reduction of stress hormones and reduced anxiety and feelings of depression with regular massage therapy.
Clean Your House or Your Office
A living space can have a substantial effect on your level of stress. A disorganized or messy environment is unpleasant and can increase mental disarray and stress. By cleaning and organizing your space, you will feel more organized and in control of your surroundings. The principles of feng shui can be used to create a positive and soothing energy within your environment.
Remember That You are in Control
Take steps to make changes in your life that will reduce the major causes of stress. Take positive action. If you are in a job that is the major cause of stress in your life, look for a different job. You could also take classes to develop your job skills in other areas. Consider what type of job would really bring you pleasure and make you feel fulfilled. Then take the necessary steps to seek this type of job.
Consider Counseling or Support Groups
Often stress and anxiety is caused by feeling that you are dealing with an issue that other people don't understand. For example, if you have a substance abuse issue, consider sitting in on an Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous group meeting. If you have lost a loved one or a loved one is facing a terminal disease, there are Grief Counseling groups that address these issues. Check your local paper. Most papers have a section that announces group support meetings and heartily welcomes anyone who wishes to sit in on a group meeting. You will realize that other people are experiencing similar issues. Simply gaining this understanding can relieve stress caused by the situation.
Exercise
Even if you feel you do not have time to go to a gym on a regular basis, find a way to incorporate a small amount of exercise into your day. Take the stairs at work rather than using the elevator. Take a walk during your lunch break. Enrolling in a yoga or tai chi class will provide exercise as well as engage you in relaxation techniques at the same time.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Medline Plus indicates that a poor diet, or a diet lacking Vitamin B12 in particular, can contribute to stress and anxiety. Holistic Online states that too much caffeine, salt and fat in the diet increases the stress a person feels. By increasing the amount of fiber and fruits and vegetables in the diet, a person will be better able to handle stress and will be less likely to experience a compromise in the immune system due to stress. When the body's immune system is compromised as a result of stress, the body has a more difficult time removing toxins, such as an excess of hormones, that are produced by the body during acute states of stress.
Tags: other people, Relaxation Response, control stress, group meeting, immune system, level stress, stress anxiety