This is the second part of my series on stress, you can read Ways to Reduce Stress in Your Life – Part I here.
Eliminating all forms of stress from your life is not possible but what is possible is finding ways to relax and calm yourself. To fortify yourself against the stressors that come your way and to keep tension at a manageable level you need to find effective ways to cope. In part one we offered some help in this area and now in part two we offer more tips.
If you like to take walks for exercise then you are already doing a world of good for your mental health as well. Walking is an excellent stress buster because it quiets and calms the mind. If you are not a walker but yet you seem to have stress invading your life constantly then adding a 20 to 30 minute walk to your daily life can help you out tremendously when it comes to reducing anxiety and stress.
Walking in general is good even if it is done on an indoor or outdoor track but walking outdoors such as in a local park is even better. According to a recent study done in Japan walking outside, especially in a forest setting can be an excellent way to cope with chronic stress. There is something about nature, trees and streams that can benefit those who are consumed by stressful thoughts.
Having an animal for a companion or a few of them can help to relieve stress. In fact it is one of the many benefits of having a pet.
Whether you have a dog, cat, guinea pig, rabbit or bird he or she can help to reduce the stress you are feeling. Studies have connected owning a pet to having lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels. One study had subjects watch 10 to 15 minutes of cute films about animals. Following the viewing the volunteers were found to have lower heart rates and blood pressure and found to be much less anxious.
Having a room with a view can help to turn stress upside down. Studies have shown that students who have seats near windows recover quicker from performing stressful tasks than do those who sit facing blank walls or even those looking at a screen or picture of a nature scene. Next time you feel overcome with stress step away from your computer or take yourself away from the problem at hand and spend a little time glancing out the window.
This can also help to clear your mind, relax your body and bring your heart rate down to where it should be. If you do not have a window view from wherever you do most of your work then try to do something to change that. If you cannot then at least do some window gazing during your breaks.
Music is good for the soul. It can also lift your spirits and make your troubles seem thousands of miles away. When stress seems to be winning in your life listen to some relaxing music of your choosing. Everyone has different tastes in music. Listening to tunes that are mellow in nature can slow down your breathing and your heart rate and make you feel so much better. Find what suits your musical style and then listen to it to your heart’s content when stress is building in your life.
Let the music soothe your senses.
Samantha
Alternative Health for Today 