10 easy ways to de-stress

There are various stress-relieving exercises which can really contribute to reduce tension and stress. Here are ten of the easiest.

Mind and body are sewn together and are inseparable. One affects the other. Different conditions exert different influences on our mind and body from time to time. Often the situations are unfavourable to our overall health and might produce stress and tension. In fact, it has become part and parcel of our everyday lives. But there are various stress-relieving exercises which can really contribute to reduce tension and stress. Some of these exercises can be learnt within a few minutes while the others would require a little amount of practice. These are listed as follows:

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1. Deep breathing exercises

These exercises can be performed anywhere and anytime, and these produce beneficial results within a short period of time. The exercise aids in oxygenation of the blood and the relaxation of the muscles. These effects in turn result in the calming up of the mind.

To perform deep breathing exercise, sit up straight with shoulders relaxed and eyes closed. Take a deep breath through your nose, expanding your belly. Hold your breath for a count of five and slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat 10-15 times.

You can place your hand on your stomach (just above the waist) to make sure that you are breathing properly. Your hand should move out and back in as you inhale and exhale. This means that you are using the lower part of your lungs.

2. Yoga

The practice of yoga dates back to over 5,000 years. It is a traditional form of self-improvement technique. It is a combination of other stress management methods like meditation, breathing and movements. Yoga owes its origin to India and it had been practiced since the ages of the Vedas. Yoga is also believed to prevent and cure many diseases.

3. Guided imagery

The adoption of this method would need a bit of practice. In this exercise, the individual starts imagining a very relaxing scene which relates to all the senses. The imagery consists of a wise guide who provides answers to all questions. This guide is the subconscious state of mind which a person cannot access normally.

This exercise bestows relaxation, wisdom and insight to those who practice it.

4. Visualisations

Positive visualisations as in guided imagery can cause healing. When an individual starts imagining that s/he can achieve the goals in life, be it professional or personal, then s/he can really do well in these areas in reality.

5. Meditation

Meditation includes deep breathing exercises as an essential component. During meditation, the brain goes into a state of sleep and it is in this state that certain beneficial hormones get released. The mind thinks of "nothing" and this helps to bring down the stress levels to a considerable extent.

6. Sex

Many of us are aware of the stress relieving functions of sex. Sex is a healing procedure and it brings down stress levels. But surprisingly, just the reverse happens! Many people get so much stressed that they lose interest in sex! But sex is a remedy and one should come out of this stress-sex trap!

7. Self-hypnosis

This method is based on certain features of visualisations and guided imagery. But its specialty rests on the fact that individuals can interact directly with the subconscious state of mind. This method has proved to be more effective in terms of better learning abilities and giving up of unhealthy habits.

A bit of training is required to practice this method.

8. Progressive muscle relaxation

This practice does not require the deployment of any special equipment. Relief from tension in just a few minutes can be achieved by tensing and relaxing all the muscle groups. One can start by tensing the facial muscles and holding them tight for ten seconds. This should be followed by a complete relaxation of the facial muscles for another ten seconds.

The other parts of the body which would now follow are the neck, shoulders and so on. With practice, the method tends to produce desirable results.

9. Exercises

Exercises are commonly corelated with the weight loss objectives and with the overall fitness. But exercise has much to contribute to stress reduction. Exercise helps the mind to get deviated from stressful conditions. All the frustrations find an outlet when people do workouts. It also lifts up one's mood and spirit through a rise in the level of endorphins.

10. Music

Music produces a healing effect to even people suffering from cancer. Music works by lowering down the blood pressure levels and by helping the body and the mind to relax.

Tension is common in today's lifestyle. We cannot expect a tension-free life. But we should know the ways of dealing with it. After all, a healthy mind would promote success in every field. A healthy mind would boost up your motivation and confidence levels. So whenever you are feeling stressed try out any of these practices!