Fast & Easy Ways to Reduce Stress
According to a study done by the National Consumers League, 84 % of American women experience stress related problems. High levels of stress caused by our own negative thoughts may actually be responsible for many body symptoms like stiff muscles, headaches, insomnia, poor digestion, ulcers, and anxiety attacks. What are Americans worrying about? We worry about our kids, our jobs, our weight, our relationships, our finances, or happiness etc. There is plenty to worry if you choose too. However, studies like those in the Journal of Psychophysiology reveal that there are simple things you can do to relieve tension and anxiety on the spot.
Stress and Tension can be relived. Try to simple tried and true methods.
Disclaimer: Always consult your doctor before trying anything new.
1.
Classical Music:
Sounds too simple? Try it. Even if you don't like classical music, you can still benefit from its soothing effects. In recent Australian studies, workers who normally felt stressed out while doing daunting tasks, felt much more relaxed doing the same tasks while listening to classical music. Other studies reveal that when classical music is piped into bus stations, there is less aggression and crime. Composers like Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, Pachelbel's Canon all can provide endless hours of soothing music.
Next time you are feeling stressed: Let go on tension in just 5 minutes
- Stop what you are doing
- Take a few deep breaths
- Relax and listen to classical music for 5 minutes
- Return to what you were doing and continue to listen to classical music
- For an added bonus, picture yourself at the beach, the mountains or anywhere you feel relaxed.
However, don't wait until you are feeling stressed out to listen to classical music . Listen to classical music while:
- Working at your desk
- Working at the computer
- Taking a warm bath
- Preparing meals
- Eating your meals
- Cleaning the house
- Doing any task that stresses you out
2.
Vanilla Scent for Comfort
Let's face it. We all respond to a comforting scent and just the thought of some aromatic fragrances has the power to transform our emotions and help us release stress and tension. Vanilla is one of those scents. Most people relax immediately because scent can take us back to our childhood, remind of us a wonderful relationship, or guide us back to a special time or feeling in our lives. Research at a leading New York hospital found that using " Vanilla scent" in the air actually helped relieve patient anxiety by over 60%. Vanilla is such a soothing scent that home owners are encouraged to use vanilla scented candles to make their homes inviting and comforting to prospective buyers. You can't go wrong with vanilla scent. It uplifts the spirits and soothes the nerves.
Ways to bring vanilla scent into your home, car or office:
- Vanilla Bean Candles- Candles are an ideal way to bring the comforting scent into your home. However, when purchasing candles look for lead free candles. Lead free candles are available at www.wholesomescents.com
- Vanilla scented lotions
- Vanilla room fresheners
- Vanilla scented colognes
3.
Acupressure Tension Release Spot:
Acupressure is great for relieving tension. It is the premise behind reflexology, energy medicine, Eft, chakra balancing and many more meridian based modalities. For instant release of tension, try this simple technique.
- Close your eyes and tap the top center of your head with your 8 fingertips while breathing deeply for 30 seconds.
- Then massage and pull apart the same scalp area for another 30 seconds.
- The top of your head is where all of the body's energy channels are joined.
- By stimulating the pressure points it sends relaxation signals to your muscles and releases tension on the spot.
For added relaxation try this palming technique:
- Rub your hands together for 15 seconds
- Then place the palms of your hands over your eyes for 30 seconds.
- The energy generated between your hands will energize tired eyes.
Add classical music while doing the exercise and your tension will just melt away.
4.
Block Out Negative Thoughts With
Visualization
- No one can make you think something
- Choose to think positive thoughts; Tell yourself, " I choose to enjoy this moment"
- Focus on what is right, not what is wrong
- Stop telling the same negative story about yourself- make up a new positive life story and tell that one to everyone
- When confronted with a negative person, don't take their remarks or attitudes personally- let them go
- Visualize yourself somewhere or with someone you love
- Visualize yourself enjoying the moment
- Close your eyes and picture yourself walking through a door and leaving all problems behind
Judee Algazi is a holistic educator- . To schedule an appointment for a private session to learn to visualize, create a new positive life story and to incorporate a positive thinking plan into your life, call Judee at 267-254-4144.
