Ways To Relieve Stress

Among the various ways to relieve stress, meditation may be one of the best. However, what if you are having trouble with your meditation or don't have the time? Here are three good techniques that will help, and they don't even require any practice.

Resolve The Stressors

I was sitting here getting ready to write this, and something was bothering me. I realized that I have been putting off making a phone call all morning. I had to tell a acquaintance that I couldn't testify in court as I said I could. The moment I made the call I felt more relaxed.

Making decisions and taking action can be one of the most immediate ways to relieve stress. Sit for a moment whenever you fell stressed, and identify the things in your mind that are contributing to your state. Then do something about them. That's all there is to this technique.

Well, almost. Of course you can't resolve everything that is bothering you at any given moment. What you can do, though, is take some action. It is the indecisiveness and waiting and wondering and worrying that causes the stress. If you even just make a list of what you need to do, your mind will often let these things go. Write a list, talk to someone, make a decision - just do something to let the stressor go.

Breath

Even if you don't feel like meditating or don't have the time, you can stop for one minute to just breath. Breath deeply through your nose and let the tension drain from your muscles as much as possible. Pay attention to the tightness in your face and shoulders especially. A bit of deep breathing can relax you significantly.

Do Something You Enjoy

When I play chess at the coffee house on Friday nights, I don't think about anything else for four hours. Being totally engaged in an activity doesn't leave room for stressful thoughts. To be fully engaged, though, usually requires that it be something we enjoy doing.

Physical activity may be best, but try doing anything that you can put your whole mind into. For some, that could be reading a good book, and for others it might be cooking. Make a note of which activities really engage you and let you drop your worries, and keep that mental list handy for whenever you are stressed. If your passionate activity is also your job or business, this can be one of the best ways to relieve stress.

The Meditation Site | Ways To Relieve Stress