|
Only you know what works for you. Make a list of your favourite stress-relievers. What makes you feel wonderful? Simply do it more often.
Write down affirmations to reinforce your healthy lifestyle. For example: “I deserve to feel energised”, “I stay active every day”, “I’m eating better every week”. Psychologists at Harvard University have demonstrated that believing yourself fit works.
Exercise is one of the best ways to release tension. Experts advise to do it “little and often” rather than excessively strain bones and joints. Short, regular workouts are also easier to sustain. Circuit training, spinning and group classes can be motivating and time-efficient. Just choose what you enjoy most.
Research shows you’re 80% more likely to use a gym near your workplace. Make sure it’s pleasant and welcoming. Listening to music could improve your workout performance by as much as 20%.
Moderate weight training improves your balance, speeds metabolism, reduces blood pressure and improves resistance to injury. Rotate muscle groups to avoid strains. Hire a personal trainer to tailor your programme. Seek medical advice in advance.
Remember the most relaxing place you can. Close your eyes to relive the feelings you had when last there, in vivid detail. Bring to mind this inspiring image whenever you need an instant boost.
The average Briton spends 18 hours weekly watching tv. You can do push-ups, sit-ups, forward lunges, squats, kicks, stretches and many other exercises without missing your favourite programmes. Place your remote control out of reach to keep moving.
Research suggests that Monday is statistically the most stressful day. It’s an ideal candidate for joining up to a long weekend holiday.
Nasal breathing activates the parts of your system that relax and soothe. It facilitates deep, correct breathing and helps filter out harmful particles in the air. Keep your mouth closed to acquire this habit. Feel the air enter and leave your nose as it bristles against your nostrils. Notice its gentle sound. This one tip alone can dramatically reduce stress levels.
Some scents relax deeply e.g. lavender oil. Aromatherapy reduces stress as pleasant scents work their way directly to the brain to lift your mood.
Surveys estimate that one-third of employees don’t take their full holiday allowance. Feeling jaded helps nobody. Research from the US suggests that frequent holidays can cut mortality risk and help wounds to heal faster. If you live in a city, choose destinations with abundant clean air. There’s evidence that being by the sea may rejuvenate especially well.
Just lift your shoulders as high as you can then drop them very gradually and hang your arms down. Do this 3 or 4 times in succession. You may be surprised how well this easy technique relaxes you.
When facing a high-pressure situation, act “as if” you’re relaxed. Your brain and body can coax each other to create the feeling desired. It’s ideal for a work presentation you’ve prepared well for (though may not help if you haven’t!).
Get extra rest the night before your trip. Drink more water if flying. Take frequent short walks away from your seat on a train or plane. Eat low calorie and light foods. Use the hotel gym or pool.
Many different activities de-stress well if you are consistent. The golden rule is: do you feel great afterwards? Meditation is considered a particularly effective stress-reliever. Volunteering is another smart choice: see www.volunteering.org.uk for info. Ensure that you know your own personal “escape valves”.
Disclaimer
|
