Whilst there are hundreds of books,
therapies,">www.virtual-therapist.com">therapies, drugs, herbal
remedies, self help courses and specialist activities available
for reducing stress, there are still only two ways to have less
stress in your life. Firstly remove the cause of the stress.
Secondly, find ways to reduce its impact. Put like that it
sounds so simple and easy, but the reality is that when you are
stuck in the middle of the wood, it's hard to see the trees.
As in many things, it's often the natural simple things that can
have the most beneficial effect so don't be fooled by the 'low
tech, back to basis' style of these suggestions. They are all
based on our senses, the five ways that we directly experience
life. And most of the suggestions below are free and don't
involve chemicals!
Stimulate the five senses.
Smell - Lavender oil has long been known for its ability
to relieve tension and ease stress. Put a few drops on your
pillow at night or by day consider keeping a tissue nearby that
has been laced with its distinctive aroma.
Taste - Stress strips the body of vital vitamins,
especially B and C. And if you rely on high caffeine intake to
cope, this also depletes your supplies of vitamin C. So have
something good to eat. I will make you feel better and help to
replace those lost vitamins. Complex carbohydrates will induce
the release of serotonin making you feel calm.
Sight - A daily 'nature hit' is essential to our
wellbeing. 1980's study showed that patients recovering from
operations recovered more quickly when their view was of nature,
plants and trees rather than more urban features such as roads,
walls and buildings. So to reduce stress, why not take time out
to surround yourself with nature?
Hearing - Meditating by focussing on a single sound can
alter brainwave patterns to alpha which are naturally relaxing.
Alternatively if you don't want to spend months learning how to
meditate then listen to a binaural beat recording instead. A
binaural">www.virtual-therapist.com/Stress.html">binaural beat
of 4.9hz will produce exactly the same calming alpha state.
Feeling - One symptom of stress is quick and shallow
breathing. This starves the body of fresh oxygen, so breathe
from the stomach rather than the chest - this also helps to
expel stale air that can accumulate in the lower lungs. Breathe
slowly and deeply and concentrate on making the out breath
longer than the in breath, this naturally reduces stress.
The important thing is that whatever you do, do something. For
example you could take a deep breath right now, hold it and
exhale slowly... Trust your instincts and rely on your five
senses to lead you out of that stressful wood.
About the author:
Jim Brackin contributes tips, help and advice on
popular">www.virtual-therapist.com">popular psychology to
variety of magazines like Cosomopolitan and Women's Own. He is
the body language expert for Sky News (UK)and developed
">www.personaliteye.com"> www.personaliteye.com that
provides free visually based personality profiles.
