Yoga can be used to increase relaxation and reduce stress.
A range of simple stress management techniques can be used to aid relaxation in a stressful situation and to reduce overall stress levels. According to MindTools.com stress can be the cause of a number of health problems so it is important to learn deal with the condition correctly. If you are concerned because of a stress related illness, or you feel that stress is beginning to affect your health, you should visit your doctor for advice.
Sleeping And Relaxation
By maintaining a healthy lifestyle you can effectively reduce your overall stress levels. According to MindTool.com, sleeping for eight hours a night can help you to stay energized during the day. Stress can prevent you from sleeping, and this can be reduced by avoiding any mentally challenging activities before going to bed to allow you to relax. Wind down by having a warm bath and reading an enjoyable book.
Exercise and Hobbies
You can effectively alleviate stress in your overall life through regular exercise or taking up a new hobby that involves exercising, such as hiking or yoga. According to MindTools.com yoga breathing can be used to lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Practice this by slowly breathing in through the nostrils, hunching your shoulders and holding for one second. Avoid puffing up the chest. Gently breathe out through the mouth, relax the shoulders and imagine the stressful feelings melting out of your body and into the floor. You can use this technique in any stressful situation that occurs in daily life. MindTool.com recommends avoiding any type of sport that promotes a competitive element, as this can also lead to stress.
Thought Awareness
Thought awareness is a tool you can use to reduce stressful feelings. Stress can be caused by thinking negative thoughts about yourself, others, or a situation. Keeping a diary of your negative thoughts can help you to rationalize. Take notes on how you feel about an upcoming event that is causing you to feel stressed and explore the reasons that you might be feeling this way. After writing down these thoughts go back to each one and challenge it using rationality to dispel any worries by changing negative feelings into positive feelings. For example, if you wrote that you are worried that your performance at work will not be good enough, you could challenge this by remembering that you have completed all the preparation work that you need to do and that you are competent enough because you have completed the required training.
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