subject: Simple Stress Busting Tips You Can Use Today [print this page] The number one killer in the United States is stress. Of course, most statistical tables will tell a different story. According to those learned folks who collect such stats, the biggest killers are heart disease, cancer, and obesity related illnesses such as high blood pressure. But what's the biggest underlying risk factor of all these enemies of good health? That's right, stress. The biggest danger about stress is that it can largely go unnoticed for many years. We humans have a remarkable ability to adapt to our environment. But when that environment is stress, and our biggest adaptive quality is to ignore it, then that's a recipe for disaster.
Breathing has a huge impact on your levels of stress. Most of us don't breath correctly. We breath very shallow, quickly, and with our chests. The correct way to breath is slowly, and into your stomach. Watch a baby sleep, and you'll see the natural way to breath. Expand the stomach when breathing in, and slowly letting in relax when breathing out. Each breath should take at least three or four seconds. When you take the time to monitor your breath, and breathe correctly, you'll stress levels will immediately plummet.
Another trick is to close your eyes, and visualize yourself in a very calm and relaxing environment. When you combine this with some deep, slow breathing, you'll lower your blood pressure, lower your heart rate, and melt your stress away. The more you practice this, the easier it will get. If you practice at home for five or ten minutes a day, you'll be able to tap this resource within one breath wherever you are. Even if you are in the middle of a heated conversation, you can dramatically lower your tension with one breath with your eyes closed, while you visualize a nice, tranquil place.
Smiling is important. Next time you are in an angry or upset mood, force yourself to smile and think of something happy or funny. Remember your favorite scene in your favorite comedy movie or TV show. It only takes a minute or two to dramatically change your feelings.
If you are in a really stressful situation, like you've got a butcher knife in your hand and you're ready to murder your boss and all your coworkers, close your eyes and count down from ten to one. Make sure to take a deep belly breath with each count. By the time you get to one, you'll be calm and relaxed. And because you've charged your muscles with all that good oxygen, you'll be ready to run away from the cops. Just be sure to wipe the finger prints from the butcher knife before you toss it in the garbage.
These tips will help you in any situation you are in. However, you must consciously remember to practice them. They'll only come naturally after a lot of practice. Until then, let stressful situations be your trigger. When you feel stressed, stop, close your eyes, and breath. You'll feel better before you know it.
