Deadlines, heavy workload, difficult relationships or stressful environments — whatever the reasons or triggers, stress is very much a common feature of life these days. Most of the time, we are able to keep our stress at a manageable level, and our thinking is: ‘Ok, it may affect our mood and blood pressure from time to time, but on the whole it’s not a showstopper.’ Some people even thrive from stress, building up adrenaline to face their challenges.
It’s when it starts taking over your life that stress becomes a real problem — when it seeps into every minute of the day, and you find yourself completely bogged down and always tense.
That’s when you’ll probably hear all the usual advice: take some time off, stop working so hard, go on a spa break, and of course, try to relax!
The trouble is, sometimes it’s not that easy to just relax, especially when you’re caught up in a constant state of tension. And the harder you ‘try’, the less relaxed you’re likely to be. Instead, here are seven tips to help break the cycle of constant tension, and allow you to relax and recharge.
1. Stop
Stop what you’re doing or what you’re thinking. Physically put down the piece of work that’s giving you a headache, leave the room if you need to, or if the source of your stress is coming from trying to control a situation, just let go for a minute and take a couple of steps back.
2. Breathe
When we’re stressed we tend to take quick, shallow breaths. This can put our bodies hormonally and chemically out of balance, further affecting our anxiety and energy levels. Instead, focus on taking long, deep breaths from your stomach rather than your chest.
3. Express
Keeping things pent up is sure fire way to hold onto tension, and quite often I find myself getting even more worked up by the fact that it’s continuing to affect me. It’s important to have an outlet where you feel safe and comfortable to express yourself and release the tension. This could be a trusted friend who is unattached to the situation in question, or simply a journal where you can get things off your chest without exploding at anyone, which can also help you to reflect and gain perspective and discover things you didn’t recognise before.
4. Do something different
One of my favourite quotes attributed to Einstein is “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” If you want to break the cycle of constant stress and tension, do something different. For example, take a different route to work, have your lunch outside, speak to a friend you haven’t spoken to for a long time, or even just put some music on while commuting or cooking.
5. Get physical
Our bodies have a way of mirroring our mental and emotional states. If we’re feeling tense or stressed, our muscles will also tense up. Likewise, encouraging physical relaxation will help to release mental and emotional tension too. Some people find physical exercise a great way to take their mind off things and burn off the extra adrenaline and stress. Others prefer a relaxing massage — an Indian Head Massage for example can melt away tension you didn’t even realise you were carrying in your scalp, neck and facial muscles.
6. Enjoy and appreciate
It can be easy to get caught up in doing things ‘right’, and forget to enjoy the simple pleasure of whatever it is we’re doing — creating a meal, enjoying the company of family and friends, even savouring the satisfaction of completing a piece of work, before moving on to the next thing. Likewise, it’s common to focus on what’s lacking or outstanding, and forget to appreciate what we have and what we’ve achieved. Instead try a little experiment — ask yourself, “What’s great about this problem?” Be creative and come up with three things that you appreciate and/or enjoy, despite or even because of the situation you are in.
7. Laugh
It may sound like an old cliche but laughter really is the best medicine. In fact, as writer Anna Fellows Johnston pointed out, “Remember, men need laughter sometimes more than food.” So watch a funny movie, ring up a friend who always makes you laugh or recall an old memory that brings a smile to your face — whatever tickles you and gets you laughing.
Are you ready to replace stress and tension with energy, fulfilment and enjoyment?
Get “From Burnout to Brilliant: Regaining your OOMPH in 12 easy steps” at http://www.grace-marshall.com/home/stress.html
Grace Marshall is a life coach who works with busy people from all walks of life to pursue their passion with less stress and more clarity, energy and confidence.
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