Stress Strategies: 5 Ways You Can Overcome The Effects

So here we are in 2011 and it’s probably true that people are busier, more stressed-out and “on the edge” than ever before. Although some stress is actually a good thing, helping to push you to perform better and achieve more in your life, too much stress will only affect your mental, emotional and physical health in the long run. Stress strategies need to be implemented as soon as possible before it becomes too late. Below are 5 easy and effective strategies to reduce your stress levels.

Breathing fast and shallow is usually a normal response to a stressful situation. This tends to raise the heart rate and make you feel even more stressed, so it’s very important that you immediately slow your breathing down. Really practice and work on making it an automatic response to breathe slower and deeper whenever you feel stressed.

It stands to reason that if you look after your body by eating correctly and exercising regularly, you will definitely cope better with the effects of stress. Just by doing a 20 minute walk each day, will greatly reduce anxiety and stress, and gives you time to reflect on the good in your life.

Don’t underestimate the power of getting plenty of sleep and rest each day. You should be getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night and a couple of breaks during the day to recharge your energy levels. If you’re tired and fatigued all the time, you won’t be able to cope as well with stressful situations.

Probably one of the most powerful stress strategies is meditation. This is something that I have sworn by for the last 8 years. I do one hour each and every day… you don’t have to do as much as me but I would recommend at least 20 to 30 minutes per day. Not only does this help you in the short term, but it also increases your immunity to stress in the long run as well.

If you are someone that gives up all your time to your boss, your partner, kids, friends and family, than this is just about guaranteed to increase your stress levels. There has to be a balance in your life otherwise it feels as though you are just giving all the time and never getting anything in return. Set aside quality time for yourself each and everyday to do the things you like, such as reading, meditating, soaking in a bath, or other hobbies. That way you are getting away from the very triggers that tend to cause you stress. You would be amazed at just how powerful this simple stress relief exercise really is.

You may be looking at the stress strategies above and think that it’s all just commonsense, but you’d be amazed how many people actually don’t do the simple things that could make a HUGE difference in their life. Give it a go, and keep working on yourself until you get the results you desire. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so just take it one day at a time and you will get there.