Stress is a normal part of life, but if it becomes too much and starts taking over your life, you must take your power back!
If stress continues on ad on, it may become a huge concern, when you’re no longer able to manage it. If such thing occurs it may also begin to negatively impact your physical and mental health.
The physiological response to stress is so called fight-or-flight response, when your heart starts to race, breath to quicken, and muscles to tighten but it can become problematic and drain to much energy if it lasts too long.
So, without further delay here is what you can do to help yourself and protect your wellbeing:
Breathe and exhale longer
A recent study conducted at Yale University has once again shown that deep breathing is one of the most effective techniques to manage stress and stress-related conditions.
Deep breathing works by inducing the relaxation response of the parasympathetic nervous system, or in other words helps to “turn off” your body’s tendency toward fight-or-flight response, providing an immediate impact on stress.
If you want to try this stress relieving approach, bear in mind that inhaling causes your heart rate to speed up, while exhaling slows it down. So, when you’re feeling stressed and in need of instant relieve, try slowing down your breath and taking longer exhales.
Exercise, do not quit!
Physical exercise has long been advertised as one of the best ways to reduce stress and indeed it is.
Many studies have shown that any form of exercise can act as stress reliever, but in order to reap the benefits, one must do it regularly and for prolonged periods of time.
Exercise decreases stress and boost mood and self-confidence. It does so by increasing the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, endorphins.
So, if you really want to feel happy, less stressed and fit, find a physical activity you can enjoy!
Whatever it may be, doing it regularly and sticking to it can help you improve your physical and mental wellbeing and increase the quality of your life.
For example, Harvard Medical School conducted a research and supports the thesis that yoga is an incredibly valuable source of stress relief.
The research has shown that yoga can actually modulate the brain’s stress response, and even build up your resilience to stress over time.
So, establishing a regular yoga practice can help you not only reduce current stress, but it may make you” stress proof” for the future.
Use your voice
Some scientist claim that stress we experience, is usually a result of us not letting it out.
And one of the easiest ways to release this stress is just by using your voice.
Some say that even a sigh can release the tension in your upper body. And, if you choose to sing your favorite song, you will not only decrease your stress but you will also boost your mood, because singing increases endorphins and oxytocin in the body.