Top Ten Methods For Dealing With, and Relieving Stress.

Stress is a huge issue that affects everybody both directly and indirectly. There are two basic forms of stress. Eustress which is considered a good form of stress and Distress which is the better known, negative form of stress. Chronic negative stress can have a serious impact on one’s health, life, and productivity. I have personally seen what impacts stress can have on myself, family, and others so I felt compelled to research and write this article in hopes of helping others out with dealing with stress. Here are the top ten methods, from different sources, for dealing with stress. I hope everyone who reads this finds some benefit. The first five are the top resources and most of these can be done even in public places and can reduce stress levels in a short period of time. The last 5 are methods of reducing and preventing stress in our daily lives.

1. Breathing. This may seem elementary since breathing is essential to life however; during periods of stress many people have a tendency to hold their breaths. This is common and leads to additional stress because this is when your brain needs the most oxygen to function and we hold our breaths and deprive the brain of the oxygen it needs. Seems complex but it is really just a natural reaction we go through, just like tightening our muscles when we step outside into the cold air. The next time you are in a stressful situation pay attention to your body and see if you are holding your breath or breathing shallow. Here is something to try next time you are feeling stressed. Take a deep breathe in through your nose deeply and then exhaling slowly through your mouth. Continue this for 10 to 15 breaths focusing on the method of breathing and the count of breaths. You may also want to...

... middle of paper ...

...s. Do things we enjoy is a great way to relax and get away from it all temporarily. Hobbies are extremely effective in relieving stress from the daily grind and provide us a sanctuary for the mind. If you don’t have a hobby it’s time to get one.

10. Music. Music soothes the savage beast and nothing can be more savage than the affects of stress on our minds and bodies. Learning how different types of music can affect our moods is a great way to relieve stress and also can make us more productive. Classical music is a great way to relieve stress; jazz is another good genre for this. Other genres can pump us up and get us ready to deal with stress while some help us relieve stress. It really depends on a person’s tastes. Try out the different forms and genres during different situations and note how you feel. It may provide beneficial information into what works.