Stress flushes the body with cortisol and adrenaline, too much of which can raise blood pressure hence negatively affecting your cardiovascular and digestive systems. Sometimes it takes a while to feel really stressed out, but hopefully with these tips you can cool down much quicker than you heated up.
Here are some quick tips to keep stress away:
#1 (BY FAR) BREATHE
Take a few slow, deep cleansing breaths. Sit up straight, but not rigidly. Imagine slowly blowing your abdomen up like a balloon, moving the breath into your solar plexus, then up into your shoulders. Breathe out, consciously moving the air back out in the opposite order.
#2 RELAX
Particularly your muscles. Scan your body from the top of your head to each of your toes to monitor tension. Thinking specifically about each one leads it to relax. So say to yourself, “head relax”, “shoulders relax”… until you do every part of your body.
#3 STRETCH
Any old stretch will do. I’m sure you have some old standbys. Just get yourself loosened up whether you’re at your desk, around the house or in the car stuck in traffic. Less muscle tension = a more relaxed you!
#4 FOCUS
Shut off that incessant chatter in your brain by focusing intently on anything: a picture, a cloud, a candle.. Now, don’t think. Not easy I know, but if any thoughts drift into your mind just try to gently let them float by. This can really help clear your mind.
NIKKI
/ December 7, 2010Thank you for these! They will come in handy this week for sure! love you! xoxo
Erika ~TiptoeButterfly~
/ December 7, 2010i’ve been doing all of these – the stretching feels AMAZING when done right :o)
*kiss kiss*
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~
Jude
/ December 7, 2010Aw, I love these tips, Annie! Just doing a bit of leg stretching now (you inspired me) and can’t wait to fit these more into my day – I needed this reminder, thank you!
Dylan
/ December 7, 2010Definitely great to have handy!
Diana Mieczan
/ December 7, 2010Those tips are amazing, sweetie…I try my best not to get stressed but when it gets me its hard to get rid off…So next time Im going to try those:)
Hugs and kisses, sweetie pie
Carrie
/ December 7, 2010Annie you must have read my blog today. I am practicing these as I type…the words are floating off the page. oy
xo,
c
style'n
/ December 7, 2010I need the “focus” one right now. Need to stop multi tasking!
Nicole
/ December 7, 2010Annie…these are amazing and much needed today! Thank you…xo
Valerie
/ December 7, 2010It always amazes me how much better I feel after stretching and breathing. They seem like they should come naturally, but it doesn’t always work that way for me. I love this list, Annie!
xo
Valerie
Rocio Lie
/ December 7, 2010These are great, I forget to breathe sometimes lol. It’s so easy to relieve stress with your tips, thanks(:
isabel
/ December 7, 2010im thankful i usually dont get very stressed out but when i do these will be a big help
Alleen
/ December 7, 2010I need one of those buttons installed…LOL! Great tips, I need to print and laminate, one for every place I go (car, house, etc)! xoxo
Dawn {The Alternative Wife}
/ December 7, 2010THANK YOU! I need to do all of these right this instant! I know I just got back from a long vacay but the past few days have been stressful! :) xoxo
Krystal/Village
/ December 7, 2010Just practiced all of them :)
Monique
/ December 8, 2010Will be doing these for sure! Right now the stretching is perfect, I feel so tense!
xoxoxo
Lisa D Liguori
/ December 8, 2010Good timing for me. I find that when big changes are happening in my life, I forget to breathe! I am taking deep breaths right now!
Shawna
/ December 10, 2010I could definitely be using some of these tips right now! As you can tell I haven’t post much lately….December has turned out to be crazy!