4 Easy Ways to Relieve Body Stress

4 Easy Ways to Relieve Body Stress

Body stress is the result of living a fast-paced life full of pressures. It takes time to adjust your mindset to live a stress-free life, so if you are among the many that have yet to achieve that state, there are ways for you to manage stress.

1. Move that Body

A regular exercise routine does more than just keep you fit and healthy. It will actually relieve you of body stress. When your body is used to physical activity, especially at the start of the day, you get an energy boost to sustain you all day. You may not be aware of it, but lack of energy can build up stress.

When you exercise, there is an important process happening inside your body: the production of cortisol, the stress hormone responsible for storing fats, is reduced, while producing more of the endorphins, or chemicals that make you feel good. During the exercise routine, you are able to concentrate on what your body is doing, thus distracting you from stressful thoughts and situations. It is also a perfect way to vent frustration. In the end, exercise will help keep you calm and alert.

2. Breathe Deeply

Five minutes of deep breathing without distractions can do wonders to relieve you of body stress. You may not be aware of it, but after packing your day with all sorts of tasks and activities, your muscles coil like a spring. That is stress creeping up on you. To ward it off, give yourself time to breathe deeply. Deep breathing means more oxygen in the blood that can perk up the brain, relax the muscles and calm the mind. It is the quickest way to de-stress.

3. Focus on Nature

If you are too busy, you tend to take your surroundings for granted, especially when you have a lot of things in mind and even more to do. When stressed, try staring at something green. One way to do it is by looking at trees. Green is known as a cool color. The sight of it triggers your mind to tell your body to slow down. Green stirs thoughts of your being in a natural environment. The sound of water is another stress reliever. Cascading or rippling sounds made by water give a calming effect.

4. Stretch Your Muscles

Stretching your muscles helps release tension in your body. You can do it as short or as long as you want, but do it slowly and with even breathing. As you stretch, try to feel as if you are gathering all the stress in that area of your body, and then as you slowly release, let the stress go, too. When you get into a natural rhythm, you are able to relax both your mind and body.

You can also choose to do muscle relaxation exercises for every part of your body, starting from your head down. Tense then relax the muscle groups, so you let go of any stress that has built up there. Hold the tension for 10 seconds, and then release in 10 counts.

For more information please call Dr. Ashley at 630-554-9991