By Verosha Govender
Who doesn't bear the brunt of a stressful day? From the minor tasks to major situations, stress happens to everyone. What is stress? It’s when your body goes into “fight or flight” mode because of a perceived threat. Physically, your body releases cortisol known as the 'stress hormone' and you feel a burst of adrenaline, a quickening of your heart rate and pulse. The stress is often triggered when you feel you don't have the resources to deal with a situation. When stress becomes your daily response or way of life, it can affect your physical, emotional and mental well-being.
While you cannot always be in control of every situation, you can control your stress response when it arises and shift into a calmer state. Here are 5 simple techniques that can be helpful in managing daily stress, bringing you back to a calm mode.
#1- Focus on your breathing
Become more self-aware of your breathing. When you experience any sudden change in your breathing, when your breathing becomes rapid and your heart is racing this is the start of a stress response.
These breathing techniques can slow your heart rate and calm your mind and body in just a few moments.
- Breathe in through your nose and imagine you're breathing in calm, peaceful air. Now, imagine that going through your entire body. As you exhale, imagine your stress and tension being blown out of your body.
- Breathe in through your nose and watch and feel your stomach fill with air; count slowly to three as you breathe in. Hold it for a second, and slowly breathe out through your nose, counting to three again.
#2- Guided imagery
Guided imagery allows you to imagine yourself in your 'happy place'. Simply close your eyes and imagine yourself in a peaceful scene of your choice. Use all your senses to let yourself feel like you're really in the peaceful scene. After a few minutes, open your eyes and come back to your present moment. You can also do this by listening to a recording, where someone walks you through a peaceful scene.
#3- Take a brisk walk
Exercise is a great stress reliever and works in both short-term and long-term stress relief. Taking a walk lets you see a new environment, which gets you into a different mindset, calming you down.
#4- Hug it out
Physical touch from a loved one does a lot for your stress. Hugging, especially, helps with stress by releasing the hormone called oxytocin (the 'cuddle hormone'). This hormone decreases stress and lets you feel happier. So, next time you feel like life is getting too much, simply seek out a hug from your loved one.
#5- Colouring
This is a fond childhood memory and a great stress reliever when you need it. If you're not one to draw or paint a picture, you can colour in a colouring book. Adult colouring books are quite popular and are even available on your phone. Colouring has a meditative effect when it includes complex geometric patterns, making it the perfect and easy stress-relief technique.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all technique when trying to de-stress; what works for you may not work for someone else. Finding the best de-stress technique may take some experimenting and practice. Either way, be patient with yourself and keep looking for a technique that will help you manage life's daily stressors in a healthy way.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is intended for your educational use only; does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the LivLush Global. No content on this site should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.