Ten Tips To Reduce Stress Immediately
Think Of Something Else
An old high school buddy; a friend you haven’t thought of in years;
Someplace you would rather be; a favorite vacation or meal…
Take your mind off the stressor. Even a few seconds is priceless.
Make a Playlist and Listen
Create a playlist of your twenty or thirty favorite songs. When you need a break, play one. In three of four
minutes you will feel better. Unless you have "Stairway to Heaven;" then you need a few more minutes.
Take a deep breath
You’ve heard it all your life. “Calm down." "Take a deep breath." "Count to ten" It’s not just in your head. Deep breathing slows the respiratory system and, physiologically, helps calm you down. And gets your mind off the stressor in the bargain.
Imagine Peacefulness
Shut your eyes and just imagine a peaceful image? A beach, a sunny hilltop, the ocean, a moonlit night, a wooded path…
Close your eyes and see it. What could be more wonderful?
Stretch your Neck and Shoulders
Just stretch those shoulders and rotate your head around your neck. Does that feel great, or what? Thirty seconds is all you need to feel like a new person.
Go for a Walk
Can you get outside for five or ten minutes? No? Just get up and walk down the hall with no purpose other than relaxation.
Call a Friend
Your spouse; your old roommate; your neighbor; your BFF. No long talk. Simply, “hi, was just thinking of you.”
Voice mail? No big deal, just leave the message.
Perform a Random Act of Kindness
Nothing makes you feel better than doing something nice for someone else for no good reason.
Have a cup of tea
Or a cup of coffee; or a piece of chocolate; or a fruit, or nuts… And savor the moment.
Don’t make yourself crazy over the little things and remember...
they are almost all little things.
Understand, to your core, this too shall pass!
Way before Frozen, "Let it Go" was a brilliant idea.
