How to Relieve Stress

Instructions Step 1: Experiment with responses Examine how you react to stress and try to understand what spurs on the anger or tension to control you. Experiment with modifying your normal responses, such as a tendency to panic, by breathing slowly when you would normally be inclined to hyperventilate or obsess. Step 2: Stem tension …

Instructions Step 1: Find a place to scream Find a room, field, backyard, or warehouse to go to and scream. It doesn’t have to make sense so much as bleed some of the negative, pent-up feelings. Step 2: Express through art Releasing your creativity can help release pent-up emotions. Express yourself through art, whether painting, …

Instructions : Consult your physician or a qualified aromatherapist before using aromatherapy because some oils may cause allergic reactions, and are not advisable for pregnant women or those with asthma, high blood pressure, or epilepsy. Step 1: Choose an oil Choose an essential oil like lavender, vanilla, citrus, or others known to reduce stress. These …

Instructions Step 1: Medidate Meditate. Find a quiet, relaxing place, sit with your back straight, close your eyes, and breathe deeply from your abdomen. Relax your muscles and relax your mind, focusing only on your breathing. TIP: Chant a mantra, such as “Om,” in rhythm with your breathing. Step 2: Get a massage Get a …

Instructions Step 1: Reach for complex carbs Reach for complex carbs to reduce your stress. Whole grain breads, cereals, and pastas help your body produce serotonin, the feel-good chemical. Step 2: Load up on magnesium Load up on magnesium-rich foods such as spinach, soy, and apricots to help your system control cortisol. These foods serve …

Instructions Step 1: Get outdoors Escape to the great outdoors. Whenever she feels stressed, Sandra Bullock heads to her ranch in Texas and enjoys the sights and sounds of nature. Step 2: Hit the spa Spend the day at a spa, a tried-and-true relaxation technique for stars from Martha Stewart to George Clooney. Step 3: …

Instructions : If your obsessive thoughts are affecting your ability to function in your work and relationships, seek professional help. Step 1: Be determined to overcome your problem Remind yourself your obsessive thoughts represent an anxiety problem, and struggling with them does not mean you lack character or willpower. Step 2: Identify your areas of …

Instructions : Overwhelming anxiety can indicate a serious mental-health disorder. Consult a doctor if anxiety is interfering with your daily life. Step 1: Play a video game Play a video game. Researchers have found that a Game Boy eased anxiety in young patients awaiting surgery better than a prescription tranquilizer. Goal-oriented play boosts dopamine in …

Instructions Step 1: Laugh often Laugh as often as you can. It causes your heart rate and blood pressure to drop dramatically, leaving your feeling profoundly relaxed. TIP: People with a strong sense of humor are less prone to depression and anxiety. Step 2: Find time for friends Find time for friends and family. Researchers …

Instructions Step 1: Accept it Accept the fact that you are having an attack. Facing panic head on reduces its intensity. Step 2: Be realistic Be realistic. Remind yourself that you are not in any real danger. Step 3: Rate it Rate your level of panic on a scale of one to ten. Sufferers find …

Instructions Step 1: Start exercising Start exercising. Pick an activity you like, such as swimming, dancing, or riding a bike. Step 2: Meditate Learn to meditate. Consult a book or CD for techniques on meditation and relaxation, or check your local yellow pages for a class near you. TIP: In one study, more than half …