Stress Relief in the Modern World

Stress is one of the fastest-growing epidemics in the world. Latest statistics indicate that 75% of people experience stress at least twice per month, and more than half these people say they find this stress debilitating. Stress has been identified as a key contributor to high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes. That's why effective stress management has become a necessity for every one of us. Here are a few stress relief techniques you can use immediately to reduce your stress today.

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Stress Relief Tip 1: Visualization is a powerful stress reduction technique. Take a moment simply to relax, and breathe in and out slowly and deeply. As you do, close your eyes and imagine yourself on a relaxing beach in the Caribbean. See the beautiful blue ocean as you hear the waves gently caressing the white sandy shore; feel the warm relaxing sun and gentle sea breeze on your skin. Let this place be your inner sanctuary during times of stress, your place to relax and let your mind unwind for just a moment, to renew your focus and concentration once again.

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Stress Relief Tip 2: Laugh your stress off. Jim McDowell, VP of Marketing for BMW, believes that a day isn't a good day if you haven't laughed to the bottom of your lungs at least five times. This is sage advice. Laughter releases many stress reduction hormones such as endorphins. If you want a quick laugh, visit one of the many online video websites such as YouTube and peruse the comedy section, or spend time in the company of the funniest person you know. It's very true that a laugh a day can keep the stress at bay.

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Stress Relief Tip 3: Billionaire businessma J. Paul Getty identified the habit of calmness as one of the most important habits of an aspiring executive. It makes sense. When you are calm, you think better and make better decisions. A panicky person can't be relied on and often makes mistakes. So starting today, practice the habit of remaining calm, no matter the circumstances. Your life will improve, because you'll no longer be subject to the whim of every circumstance that comes your way.

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Stress Relief Tip 4: Deep breathing is one of the fastest and most effective stress management techniques in existence. Research has found that our breathing tempo directly affects our mental states. For instance, rapid and shallow breathing causes states of increased excitement or tension, whilst slow, deep, and steady breathing creates mental states of calm and relaxation. Here's how you use this technique. Begin by taking in a deep slow breath, and then slowly breathe out with a sigh. Take in another slow deep breath, taking about 4 seconds to breathe in. Now hold that breath for 2 seconds and then slowly breathe out for 4 seconds. Follow this pace and rhythm for a few minutes as you notice how much more relaxed you are feeling.

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Stress Relief Tip 5: Scientific research indicates that music can relieve stress by slowing down and balancing brain waves. Relaxation music such as New Age, Baroque, and Chillout can stimulate Alpha and Theta brainwave states, which are states of complete relaxation. One of the key reasons for this effect is that these types of music utilize a tempo between 55 and 85 beats per minute. Studies have found that music played at this tempo creates a feeling of peacefulness and tranquillity. Furthermore, relaxing music can balance the left and right hemispheres of your brain, leading to reduction of mental imbalances and stress.

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Conclusion

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Stress can be beaten. All it takes is a little focus and the application of effective stress relief techniques. Take a moment today to apply even one of these stress relief techniques to your life. You'll feel more relaxed than you have felt in a long long time.