Since many stress triggers are unavoidable we must learn what our bodies and minds need to relax and prevent long-term damage to our body’s systems and organs.
Stress relief activities can include: prayer/meditation, listening or participating in music, playing or watching sports, exercise, social gatherings with friends, and a personal “time-out”.
Stress Relief in Three Minutes
Many of us are on the go and don’t always have time for a prolonged stress relief regimen, but many of us can find three to five minutes somewhere during our day. In fact, I would go so far as to recommend scheduling a three to five minute break before any activity (make it part of your routine) so you’re relaxed and prepared for any situation.
This controlled-breathing exercise is suggested by Medicinenet.com:
1) Sit upright in a comfortable position.
2) Focus on your present state of mind. Block out intrusive thoughts. Many people find it helpful to close their eyes to block out distractions around them.
3) Focus on your breathing as you breathe in through your nose for several seconds.
4) Exhale through the mouth, aim to make exhale longer than you inhaled.
5) Repeat for three to five minutes.
Sources:
Stress Relief. Mayo Clinic. Web. Dec 26, 2011. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-management/MY00435/DSECTION=stre...
Stress Management – Ways to Relieve Stress. WebMD. Web. Dec 26, 2011. http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management-relievi...
“Three Minutes to Stress Relief!” by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD. MedicineNet.com. Web. Dec 26, 2011. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46922
Reviewed December 28, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith
Add a Comment3 Comments
Great piece. Really enjoyed the part about identifying the stress triggers. Thanks Darlene.
January 8, 2012 - 10:38pmThis Comment
Thank you and you're welcome!
January 9, 2012 - 7:11am