Often in our daily lives we feel stressed, irritable and anxious, overwhelmed, and various diseases such as depression and hypertension follow. Meditation, deep breathing, listening to soothing music and other methods can effectively help us relax our bodies. According to the US website webmd, these few simple techniques to relieve stress can reap unexpected results with just a little time.
1. Meditation
A few minutes of meditation each day can help ease anxiety. “Research shows that meditation can change the neural pathways of the brain,” says Chicago-based health coach and psychologist Dr. Robbie Hartman. Meditation is as simple as sitting up straight with your feet on the floor. Close your eyes and focus on reciting ? (out loud or in your mind), such as “I feel at peace” or “I love myself.” At the same time, put one hand on your belly and feel it rise and fall with your breath, letting any distractions float in the wind like clouds of smoke.
2. The break to focus on your breathing. Sit with your body straight and your eyes closed tight. Inhale slowly through your nose and feel the breath begin to slowly transition from your abdomen to your head. “Deep breathing has a blood pressure-lowering effect,” says psychologist Dr. Judy.
3. Focus on how you feel
“Take five minutes and focus on feeling a behavior,” says psychologist Dr. Judy. When you walk, you can carefully feel the moment your foot hits the ground and the feeling of the breeze gently blowing on your face. Enjoy the texture and taste of each bite of food as you eat. When you take the time to be in that moment and focus on how you feel, you will feel relaxed.
4. Laugh out loud
Laughing lowers cortisol and the body stress hormones, and boosts the brain chemical endorphin, which helps create a pleasant mood for you. Laughing out loud will make you feel very relaxed and energized by watching your favorite comedy or reading comics, talking to others to share your joy, etc.
5. Listen to soothing music
Research shows that listening to soothing music can lower blood pressure and relieve anxiety. Beginning suggests, “Create a playlist of songs with natural sounds (ocean lapping at the shore, streams tinkling, birds chirping, etc.) and let your mind focus on the different melodies.” You can also listen to music while swaying to it and leaving behind any worrying distractions.
6. Get moving
Moving up here doesn’t require strenuous exercise; all forms of daily activity, such as yoga, jogging, and walking, can help the brain release self-perception chemicals and help your body deal with stress and ease depression and anxiety. A quick walk on the way to work, going up and down the stairs on the way home, and shrugging your shoulders are all great ways to get moving.
7. A grateful heart
Keep a grateful heart and develop a good habit of keeping a journal to help you remember all the good things in your life. “Gratitude can help you counteract negative thoughts and worries,” says Joni Greenville fitness instructor. When you start to feel stressed out, take a few minutes to flip through your journal and remind yourself of what’s really important. Reflect on innocent child-like smiles, sunny afternoons, successes when everyone celebrated together, and more.