Techniques to Relieve Stress

Unwind & Reduce Tension

The long translucent stem leads to a burgundy filled crystal. You hold the stem and gently whirl to release its aromas. Its scent is picked up by your nostrils and they fire positive sensations to your brain.

Your motion naturally moves your lips to the gem filled with comfort. You take a sip. And it's as if tension begins to exit your body from every direction.

Then you begin to anticipate a worm wavy motion spreading over your body. You get a little buzz with the expectancy.

You now feel free to relax and enjoy the rest of the day

Although, in the back of your mind you feel guilty because you feel entitled to a drink and talk yourself into it. You know one often turns into two... could you be self-medicating just to get through the day?

push out build-ups of pressure so you feel lighter and carefree

Not too long ago, you heard a report of women drinking almost daily. And they point out how damaging daily drinking and drinking more than the recommendations can be to your liver... to your health.

Admittedly, alcoholic drinks are used by many to relieve stress. However, it is not healthy. Or effective over the long term.

Instead, there are other techniques you can use to push out build-ups of pressure so you feel lighter and carefree. Best of all, there are no adverse side-effects.

Particularly, the desired result is a change in biological state. A warm lift. And you'll already know exercise can do this by releasing endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain. The result is a feeling of improved self-esteem.

boost your wellbeing by manipulating your DNA

On the other hand, exercise can feel like hard work. Especially if you are not in an exercise routine or you feel tired. Motivating yourself to do something gruelling might not be the option for you even though you already know the end outcome is euphoric.

So, something a bit more gentle could be the answer for you. Something that has been shown to boost your wellbeing by manipulating your DNA to alleviate stress.

As a result of researchers examining the evidence for mind-body interventions such as meditation, yoga and Tai Chi, they found a gene-regulating stress molecule called nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) production was lower. This means the stress effect it triggers are altered.

Meditation, yoga and Tai Chi, modifies the activity of genes linked to stress.

Alternatively, you might be in the middle of something while...

...a stressor jumps in your space

Everything instantly changes. You become tense within. It begins to bubble to the surface...

...You can't simply drop everything and take out your tension at the gym. You can't escape to the park and begin slow moving KungFu.

stimulates a parasympathetic reaction to calms us down.

You have to deal with your stress there and then. For this reason, you'll need some techniques to use.

Just breath. You'll have heard that before. Deep breathing exercises. You can do them anywhere. Take a moment to focus on your breathing because when we stress our breathing becomes short and shallow. You can alter this reaction.

So as to reduce stress levels through breathing, take a slow deep breath through your nose so that you completely fill your lungs. And slowly exhale through your mouth. And repeat if needed. Slow, deep breathing actually stimulates a parasympathetic reaction to calms us down.

Another breathing technique you can use to keep your blood from boiling is to breathe deeply for 5 seconds. Hold it for 20 seconds. And exhale for 10 seconds.

Lastly...

...this soothing response has been calming us since birth

And we use it on our pets too.

In response to sensory stimulation, oxytocin is released in the brain. This has a powerful anti-stress effect.

Right now, imagine a mother soothing her baby. What is she doing? Visualise yourself stroking a pet. Picture two lovers getting intermate. Gently touching. Slowly stroking.

Now take notice how you comfort yourself. Touching yourself. Maybe you touch an ear, your face, scratch your head, place your hand on your chest, or rub your arm.

Just watch other people as they comfort themselves in response to situations.

For the reason that, it works, you do not have to rely on your subconscious... there's no reason why you cannot use these techniques when you feel stressed out.