Stress Reduction Tips

Use these stress reduction tips to help manage the stress in your life and improve your health.


Exercise.

Walk, jog, swim, bike, lift weights. Take a yoga, tai chi, or dance class. Do whatever movement captures your fancy, because exercise must be enjoyable if you expect to stick to it.

Exercise increases the flow of endorphins, natural pain relievers that are responsible for what is called "the runner’s high." In addition, exercise improves your circulation and helps relieve chronic tension and anxiety. Get started with some exercise, workout, dance, or sports videos.

Stretch frequently.

Stretching every hour or two, if done properly, can help relieve muscle tension and even prevent injury. Sign up for the free 6 part e-course Stretching Tips for Safely Improving your Flexibility & Minimizing Muscle Pain.

Get outdoors.

Regular exposure to outdoor light and fresh air reduces the effects of seasonal affective disorder and lifts your spirits.

Meditate.

Meditation calms your mind, reducing the effects of stress. Sign up for a free Daily Meditations Mini-Course.

Consider supplements.

Ask your healthcare professional for recommendations for vitamins and other supplements. Some supplements seem to help increase energy levels and balance hormones and other chemicals in the body.

Get Massage.

Get regular massage therapy to reinforce your ability to let go of stress. Read about the stress reduction and other benefits of massage.

If you feel that stress threatens to overwhelm you, seek a professional counselor for help with stress reduction.

Lifestyle Tips for Stress Reduction

These recommendations can help you reduce stress:

• Set boundaries at work and home. Remember one person can only do so much. Choose to let some things go and give yourself wholeheartedly to those you keep. Encourage yourself to say "no" when you need to.
• If possible, take action to change situations that are troubling you. Know when to face up to the things that are causing you anxiety and when to let things go. Ask for support if you need to.
• Set aside time to talk to your family and friends about your concerns. Let them know you are feeling anxious or pressured. Use "I" statements, for example, "I feel stressed. I have deadlines at work and feel I can’t keep up at home." Your loved ones will appreciate the chance to lend a hand as opposed to being blamed.
• Honor a time and space for your own relaxation and stress reduction. Be willing to "stop the world and get off" even it’s only for half an hour after work every other day or a two-hour walk once a week. Make a commitment to yourself that nothing encroaches on.
• Try new things, such as a new, nutritious and tasty food or a new bodywork technique such as Reiki or stone massage.
• Assign yourself a time to "fret." Then get on with your day-to-day activities with enthusiasm.
• Take your breaks at work. Getting outside for a walk or doing simple stretches for 10 minutes is great for work stress reduction.
• Laugh. Watch comedies and read humorous books. Get together with people who know how to look at life on the light side.
• Take a weekend, or just a morning, away from your obligations and worries. On your getaways, leave work and worries behind. If that’s difficult, try writing down your worries or "to-do’s." Then tuck the list away, knowing you can get back to it after your time away.
• Express your creativity. Write down your memories, grow flowers and herbs, or knit a sweater. Take a painting, writing, or photography class.

For the ultimate in stress reduction, take the advice from the title of a book by Richard Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and It's All Small Stuff. Your attitude can be your best friend or your worst enemy--it's your choice.