You know the symptoms of stress. Your pulse races, your head pounds, you tense up and all within an instant. And it can often take much longer to calm yourself and get back to a ‘normal’ state. In the long term, stress and the physical and emotional symptoms that accompany it can begin to wreak havoc with your general health and well-being.

It is so important to find effective methods of stress relief, and we have suggestions here that are quick, easy – and they work. So take a deep breath and relax those tense muscles; stress relief is on the way!

Stress Relief Tip: Get to the Source
What is causing you stress? Is it your difficult boss or coworker that you simply cannot avoid? Is it a challenging situation at home, such as a struggle with finances or constant battle with a strong-willed child? Perhaps it is simply that you have too much to do on any given day, and you are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. While the circumstances may be beyond your control, recognizing the trigger for your tension is the first step in effective stress relief.

Once you know what is causing your trouble, it will be easier to find a way to manage it.

Stress Relief Tip: What’s the big deal anyway?
Most of the time, the things that cause us the greatest amount of stress are things that will pass quickly and without further incident. Think about situations like running late in the morning, dealing with a mess that the dog or kids made as you were walking out the door or sitting in traffic. While these moments are tension-inducing and frustrating, they are not life changing. Sometimes remembering that fact will bring stress relief by itself. You can also try visualization during these challenging moments, like picturing yourself on a beach listening to the water or floating in the clouds without a care.

Stress Relief Tip: Give yourself a good talking to
Self-affirmation can be an effective means of stress relief in these challenging situations as well. Tell yourself that the traffic will eventually thin out so you can get to your destination or the mess that you are cleaning up now will be little more than a distant memory by this evening. Remind yourself that you are strong and smart, and you can handle this minor setback in your life.

Try reciting a mantra when your coworker begins to get under your skin that says, “No matter how annoying she (or he) gets, I will be kind.” Repeat this phrase to yourself as often as you need to and excuse yourself as quickly as possible from the situation.

Stress Management starts with you having control. Make a conscious effort to tackle your stress head-on every day and soon you’ll be able to get through those moments without losing control. Chill out.

Tags: stress, Stress Management, Stress Relief, Symptoms of Stress