7 Tips for Relieving Stress

This article features a guest author, Ashley Rogers. She will provide tips on how to manage the daily stress in our lives. 

Stress is a common problem. Though it’s natural, it can often get out of control and potentially lead to other problems.There are many ways to fight it, but there is no one way that will work for everyone. In order to find a way to deal with stress that works for you, consider the following methods. It may take multiple attempts or combinations, but you’ll likely find something here that can help you.

1. Exercise
Exercise is a tried and true method of fighting stress, as well as other emotional negativity. This is because when you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which is what triggers a “runner’s high” or “second wind.”  Your pain tolerance increases & you often simply feel great. This can often last well after a workout, and have residual effects on your state of mind.

2. Music
Music is also known to influence mood, whether we want to admit it or not. Furthermore, certain types of music are known to relieve stress better than others.  A simply Google search will show you that there are many sites that you can go to for relaxing and soft music. In fact, some of the most relaxing genres of music come from smooth jazz and cultural music.

3. Take a Walk
Sometimes, a simple walk can lower stress levels. There are lots of reasons for this. Often, it’s the fact that you’re with a loved one, or it might even just be the change of scenery. Perhaps you’re in mood that you can’t get out of, but going on a walk could be a welcome distraction.

4: Talk it Out
In some cases, you need to find someone whom you can trust in order to talk about what it is that's stressing you out. Perhaps a friend will be there for you, and you can use this opportunity to fortify your relationship. If there’s no one in your life whom you think will understand, try the internet. There are countless support groups and chat rooms that can help, or even something like a personal ad on Craigslist could help. If this isn’t your cup of tea, journaling might be the answer. Try it out and see if it helps.

5. Meditation
Meditating works wonders on stress. There are many different types of meditation too, so it might not be how you envision it. One popular form is visualization. Taking time to focus on something that pleases your eyes can do a lot to calm you down. Visualize yourself at a waterfall, in a meadow, on the beach, or somewhere equally peaceful. Meditation isn’t about weird poses or humming, it’s about letting go of attachments and clearing your mind. Even the most conservative individuals can relate to this.

7. Accept It
This may seem counter-intuitive, but the harder you fight stress, the more you stress yourself out. It is inevitable that you are going to have feelings of stress – everyone does. There is really no such thing as a stress free existence. The harder you seek it out, the more stress you will be under. The best thing to do is try one of the above strategies to manage your stress levels, so that they don't get out of control. Then, accept that there is only so much you can do, and as long as you’re being proactive, you can’t ask for more.

Ashley Rogers likes to write about wellness, finance & saving money at www.homeinsurance.org.

Thank you, Ashley, for these helpful hints! 

By the way, this summer I will be taking a break from blogging. Please join me this fall when I resume exploring the next destructive personality type, Antisocial Personality Disorder.