Stress is entwined in such a way in our day to day lives that escaping it seems almost impossible at times. We feel bogged down by the situation and the expectations of the people around us. So, whether it is our family, friends, colleagues, or your boss, everyone expects something from us. And these expectations coupled with our life situations over which we have no control, bring on the stress.
You can’t really help if a flight is delayed, a vehicle breaks down, or the weather turns bad unpredictably. What you can help is the way in which you react to these situations. You can control these reactions to be a measured positive one provided you learn to practice a few techniques that help you control your stress. While most people associate stress control and relief with yoga and meditation, here we look at a few other options that are easy enough and can give you the same results. Adopt these techniques to stay ahead in life by showing stress that you are the master of your life.
1. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the practice of using natural oils extracted from plant parts like flowers, barks, stems, and leaves, that promotes wellbeing. These oils are known as essential oils. These natural oils can have a calming effect on your body. Inhalation of these oils can help you to be calm. You may even choose to put a few drops in your bath water and immerse for a while.
Studies have proven that the essential oil inhalation method can be considered an effective nursing intervention that reduces psychological stress responses and serum cortisol levels, as well as the blood pressure of clients with hypertension. Studies have also proved that aromatherapy has actually helped by improving the moods and reducing anxiety and depression in adults.1 The most commonly used essential oils for stress relief are lavender, cedarwood, cinnamon leaf, eucalyptus, lime, grapefruit, rose, orange etc.2
2. Listening To Music
It is almost impossible to find a human who doesn’t like some form of music. Sometimes, all you need to relieve your stress is to listen to music. If you have a favorite song, then put it on and just immerse yourself. Else, pick up a few soothing music tracks and listen to them every day at a certain time.
This can help you stay calm overall. The effect of music on stress has even been proven scientifically through many studies conducted on the topic.3
3. Laughing
You have always heard that laughter is the best medicine. Whoever said it, was a wise person. This saying now has scientific backing to prove that laughter indeed is good for your health. It is the best form of stress-busting you can adopt. So, if you are feeling down, just watch a few comedy movies and laugh your blues away.
Make it a practice to laugh heartily and fully at anything that tickles your funny bones. Interestingly, it has also been proven that even tears are good for you to relieve stress. Many a time, stress builds up as we bottle our emotions. So, de-stressing may also mean that we have to let go of the emotions.4
4. Positive Emotions
Consciously promote and practice positive emotions through affirmations and suggestions. The positive emotions are said to promote resilience in the human body to stress. So, if you can make a habit or being positive, then it automatically helps you to be stress-free.5
5. Waking Up Early
Early to bed, early to rise makes a man, healthy, wealthy and wise. Another saying that we have all grown up hearing is actually true. When you get up early, you get a head-start, you can plan your day well and you can handle emergencies and situations better.
This is perhaps why most of our ancestors led a good, long healthy life. This is a tough thing to follow for most due to the modern lifestyles. However, once you get a hang of it and see the implications for yourself, this could well become a precious habit that helps you keep stress out.6
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