3 Fast Ways to Overcome Stress

Stress is something that we all have to deal with what with major life changes, social situations and relationships. We worry, we fret and even lose sleep which causes even more stress.

So what are we to do? How do we live without the "S" word? Well...we don't. Stress is part of life. But stress is manageable and it doesn't require a trip to the Doctor. What it does require is:

1. A few minutes of your time
2. A change in your thinking
3. Body awareness

We have 24 hours each and every day to spend. Now 8-10 hours are spent in sleeping (or they should be). That leaves time to spend for driving, work, caring for the kids, writing, grooming, eating, donating our services, shopping, studying, school and recreation.

Tension builds up gradually and doesn't take a break until we acknowledge it. By then, it's too late. The knots are already tieing themselves up in your neck and back. Headaches begin pounding right into your skull. Stress takes a huge toll on our health, both mentally and physically. And for most of us, stress has become a way of life. Make way for a heart-attack.

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While there are several methods we can use to overcome stress, only 3 are needed to provide immediate results. These three will give you immediate relief and can be done anytime of the day. Make these excercises a daily habit. By setting aside just a few minutes to do these exercises, you'll feel better, accomplish more, be a happier person, live longer and reduce stress. Now isn't that worth concentrating on just you for a few minutes every day?

Let's get started.

For the next few minutes you are going to devote some time to yourself. Yes...you! Let your voice mail pick up messages and turn the volume down or completely off. No distractions. Send the kids out to play or put them down for a nap. Turn off the television and bolt the front door. If you must, hang a "do not disturb" sign on the door. This is YOUR time to rid your body and mind of all stress critters. If you must, lock yourself in your car. No one is invited to invade this precious few minutes that you so richly deserve.

• Make yourself comfortable. Lying down is preferred, but you may also sit up if you choose.
• Now, take a deep breath and concentrate on your breathing. Release your shoulder and neck area. With each new breath, release even more. Visualize the neck and shoulders as soft fluffy clouds...continue breathing as you release every last bit of tension.
• As you inhale, pretend that your belly, ribcage and lungs are filling a balloon with air. Avoid any movement in the shoulders. Keep focusing on relaxing the neck and shoulder area.
• This time, as you exhale your air, do so very slowly and hiss like a snake until you are completely out of air. The longer you hiss, the more tension you will release. If you would like a complete lesson on breathing and how to use the belly correctly, click here.
• Diaphragmatic breathing adds years to your life as well as reducing tension and stress. This is one reason we are told to "take a deep breath" during an emergency. Begin to be more aware of your breathing throughout the day. Correct any bad habits. Your goal is to replace your present way of breathing with diaphragmatic breathing.

Go back to the beginning of this portion on breathing and repeat as many times as needed.

A word of caution. If you experience light-headiness or dizziness stop immediately. You are hyperventilating due to low levels of carbon dioxide ( C02). To prevent hyperventilation - blow into a small paper bag a couple of times.

How does something as simple as walking help to reduce and overcome stress? Walking will free your mind from stress as it releases tension in your body. Walking costs you nothing, but a few minutes of your time and even just 10 minutes will have you feeling better. Our body isn't meant to be in a sitting position all day. Try to avoid sitting longer than 20 minutes at a time.

Walking is invigorating, both mentally and physically. When your brain is tired, or you begin to suffer from "scrambled brains", just get up out of that chair and go for a walk. You'll feel great and be ready to take on the day - ot finish it.

So when stress and tension have drained you of your power and energy, get moving. Recharge your battery with a short, rythmical walk.

Laughter is indeed the best medicine. We've all heard it, but do we practice it enough? Do we set aside time to read a humorous book? When is the last time you went to a comedy club?

• I like to watch my PTS DVD collection of the Johnny Carson shows, or watch an old black and white " 3 Stooges " film.
• Laughing will chase away stress faster than anything. It's free and you only need one or two laughs to do the job.
• Whenever possible, surround yourself with people who are fun. Link up with positive people.
• Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress and pain.
• Laughter is one of the best resources we have for diminishing pain and stress.
• Laughter will relax your entire body and keep it relaxed for up to 45 minutes.
• When you laugh, endorphins are released (those are the feel-good chemicals) and not only do you relieve stress, you can relieve pain as well.

I have included some funny pictures below as well as a video or 2. Enjoy!