Stress Management: 12 Ways to Destress

Today my neck and shoulders were tense. My mind could not stop thinking about my finances and the economy. I was simply stressed out and wanted to be relaxed and centered again.

So I popped in a yoga DVD and my mind was forced to think of the present and not the future or the past. After an hour of yoga, I felt refreshed, like I just got a massage.

If you’re like a lot of people, you cannot avoid stress. It’s everywhere, whether at work or at home. The secret to stress management and destressing is to stop your mind for a moment. Stop thinking and worrying, even if it’s only for an hour. How do you do that? Here are some ways to destress.

Yoga: Yoga is all about focusing on the breath and coordinating movements with your breath. Some of the poses require you to really concentrate so it forces your mind to take a vacation away from your negative thoughts. At the same time, you are stretching various muscles of your body. Some parts of your body that are never stretched, now get to relax. Some poses are stretching your internal organs as well to help you center yourself. In a way, you are giving yourself a massage, to your entire body as well as strengthening it. And the beauty of yoga is that it can balance your hormones, thereby helping you sleep better at night!

Tai Chi: Like yoga, tai chi is about coordinating movements with your breath. You’re also moving qi around in your body to promote better circulation and self-healing in your body.

Meditation: I’m sure you’ve read about meditation before, but how do you do it? Find a quiet place, where you won’t be bothered. Being around nature helps. Focus on relaxing your face, eyes, jaw, and the rest of your body. Close your eyes and focus on deep belly breathing. When you breathe in your belly expands and is filled with air. When you breathe out, push your belly in and let all of the air out. If a thought comes to your mind, let it pass. An easier way to meditate is to listen to a meditation CD or watch a DVD. I use Practical Meditation with Buddhist Principles. The gentle, calming music that accompanies this DVD forces my mind to relax, immediately! And it also teaches you to let go of anger and resentment.

Acupuncture: It may be difficult to imagine that having needles, thin, hairlike needles placed all over your body will help you relax. But it definitely works. Acupuncture is about bringing your body into balance by removing blockages of qi. If you don’t believe in qi, look up some acupuncture points online, based on ailments that you have. Then press those acupuncture points with a finger and you’ll notice that those points are sensitive and tender. For instance, there’s a commonly used acupuncture point on your hand, in the webbing between your thumb and index finger. Feel for the spot right before where the 2 bones of the fingers meet. Then squeeze it on both sides. Most likely, this spot will be tender. Note: Do not press on this point if you are pregnant.

Massage: A great massage makes you feel good. It also helps your body get rid of toxins by pushing out the lactic acid in tense muscles.

Bath: There’s nothing like a good, hot bath, especially with bubbles, bath salts, or even a bath bomb! Your muscles get to relax in the hot bath and you’ll feel like yourself in no time.

Listening to music: Get your ipod out and enjoy your favorite songs. I love putting together playlists because I know I’ll like every song. Your favorite songs will make you happy and become more positive.

Playing Music: If you are a musician like me, you know that playing the guitar, piano, or other instrument automatically helps relieve stress. Playing music helps release tension and keep you focused on something positive. Writing music unleashes your creativity, feeding your mind, body, and soul.

Hobby: Whether your hobby is playing Scrabble, doing photography, or riding your bike, it will keep your mind busy enough to avoid having negative thoughts and worries for awhile.

Talking to a Loved One or Professional Therapist: Talking about what stresses you out can help you release some stress. However, be mindful that you can also end up stressing out the person you are talking to. Keep your complaining to a minimum. If you have a major issue or crisis you are dealing with, consider talking to a professional. That’s what therapists are for… so you won’t drive your friends and family crazy!

Journal: You can say whatever you want, however you want, in your journal because it is only for yourself. I find that this helps me re-assess situations. You can also help yourself figure out solutions by expressing your thoughts in one place. When you go back and read it later, you may feel different about the situation.

Beach or Park: If you are lucky enough to live near a beach, by all means enjoy it. Listen to the waves crash against the sand. And feel the sun warming up your skin. If you don’t live near a beach, then go to the nearest park and absorb the energy from nature. There is qi radiating from nature and it gives you positive energy. When you look at a green lawn or trees, how does it make you feel?

Tags: how to relax, Stress Management, ways to de-stress