Apr 13
2010

Stress relief tips are a dime a dozen. So how do you know which tips really work or will work for you? Here are five stress relief tips that you can use today.

1. Recognize the signs of stress. The best stress relief tips won’t help you at all if you deny that you are indeed stressed. Everyone feels stress a bit differently: Some feel their jaws clench. Some feel various muscles tense up. Some immediately head to the cookie jar. Think about what you do and how you feel when you know you are stressed. Ask your spouse or a friend how they can tell you are stressed. Also ask them what they do to handle their own stress. Their tips can help you cope too.

2. Get away. We’ve all heard of the fight or flight response. Instead of fighting what is stressing you, opt for flight instead. If you feel like you are about to lose it, excuse yourself from the scene and take a brisk walk instead, preferably outside. A quick walk will get oxygen to your brain and clear your mind. Keep walking until you feel calmer and more rational. You may have even discovered a solution to whatever is eating you.
If the stress is really severe, consider taking a longer time away. Do you have any vacation time available or some sick time? This may be the time to take advantage of it.

3. Keep away: Today’s world is challenging. Not only do you have to deal with your own personal challenges, but we’re all being constantly bombarded with bleak news headlines. One of the best stress relief tips I know of is to unplug yourself from the media. Check the news headlines no more than once daily. You don’t really need to know about the latest celebrity gossip or about the latest business or government rumor.

Also, give yourself one day off each week: Keep the computer off limits, turn off the T.V. and send all phone messages to voice mail. Go play with the kids or your spouse. If you are spiritual or religious, use this day to pray and/or meditate.

4. Be positive. A lot of the stress in the world today comes from the media we use. While it is difficult to detach from it, it is possible to use the media for positive reinforcement instead. Download uplifting, positive images and music. If you find yourself under a lot of stress, take a time out and listen to just one positive song. It will only take three minutes or so but it could make all the difference.

5. Use humor. The old saying is true: Laughter is the best medicine. Compile a file of cartoons and funny stories and images that you can use to laugh at the world and its problems. Keep it handy on your computer or at your desk so you can quickly refer to it when life gets tough.

These stress relief tips can be used anytime, anywhere by anyone. You don’t have to resort to drugs, alcohol or violence. Today, conquer your stress before it conquers you.

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Apr 6
2010

If you are anxious or stressed, consider trying aromatherapy. Stress relief can be as simple as putting a scented cotton ball to your nose.

Aromatherapy stress relief is all about using your sense of smell to relieve your tension and boost your mood. There are many products that use aromatherapy, from candles, to incense to special soaps. But perhaps the simplest aromatherapy method involves soaking a cotton ball in an essential oil, holding it to your nose and breathing deeply. In just a few minutes you’ll feel better.

Of course, you need to use the right essential oils. Here are three that have been proven to relieve anxiety.

Lavender: This is one of the most used aromatherapy essential oils. It is made through steam distillation using only the flowers of the plant. When choosing lavender products look for Lavandula officinalis, the highest quality (and also unfortunately, the most expensive) variety. Lavandula angustifolia is also acceptable and is more commonly available because it is easier to grow. Do not use lavandin as it is a cheap, low-quality variety not suitable for aromatherapy stress relief. Lavender essential oils should be clear in color. It can be combined with other essential oils to make your own custom scent.

Geranium: Like lavender, geranium is one of the most commonly used essential oils and, like lavender, it is made through steam distillation. However, only geranium leaves and stalks are used, rather than the flower. Unfortunately, the household geraniums that many of us grow each year are not generally suitable for aromatherapy stress relief: only about 10 of the more than 700 varieties of geranium plant are suitable. The household variety doesn’t usually produce enough oil. Geranium essential oil is usually clear but perhaps with a greenish tinge.

Bergamot (or bergamot orange): This citrus-scented oil is excellent for stress relief. It is made by extracting the oils from the rind of the fruit of a variety of Southeast Asian tree. This oil ranges in color from green to yellow-green. Because the oil is somewhat acidic, if you apply it to your skin, you should stay out of the sun for a time because it can cause burns.
To mix your own aromatherapy stress relief combination, use a tablespoon of a carrier oil (olive, sesame or sunflower oil will do nicely) and add 1-2 drops of any of the essential oils listed above.

Dip a cotton ball into the solution and sniff. If you enjoy the scent, excellent: store it in a perfume sample bottle. (Be aware that the carrier oil can go rancid over time so it is best to make just a small amount.) If you like, you can experiment and add a few drops of one of the other essential oils. Be careful to only add one or two drops at a time, to save money and to avoid creating an overpowering scent.

Aromatherapy stress relief is quick and painless way to restore calm in your stressful life. Get some essential oils and use your nose to bring balance to your life.

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Mar 24
2010

Office stress relief is what you need to improve your productivity and feel more positive about your job and career. Here are four easy exercises you can do without leaving your desk or getting funny looks from your coworkers.

Trunk twists. Sit as tall as possible at your desk (pretend your boss is holding your head up as if you were a marionette). Rotate your shoulders up, back then down (as if you were trying to hold an apple between your shoulder blades). Rest your left hand behind your left hip and slowly twist to that side. Hold for a slow count of ten then return to your starting position. Repeat on the right side.

Chin lifts. Again, sit tall at your desk and rotate your shoulders up, back and then down. Keep your face forward. Then slowly lower your chin until it is resting against your chest. Hold for a slow count of 10 then raise your chin. Now raise your chin up until you are looking at the ceiling. Hold for a slow count of 10, and then lower to your starting position. Repeat as often as necessary to relieve tension in your neck.

Ear dips. Start by sitting tall at your desk with your shoulders positioned as if you were trying to hold an apple between your shoulder blades. Face forward. Slowly lower your head to the left as if you were trying to pin your left ear to left shoulder. Hold for a slow count of 10, and then return to your starting position. Repeat on the right side. Repeat this office stress relief exercise as often as you need to.

While you are doing these first three exercises, you may want to close your eyes and visualize a calm scene, such as a peaceful mountain lake or a quiet country road. Or, you can post a soothing picture on your bulletin board or wall or as a computer screen saver and gaze on it to refocus your thoughts. You will be amazed at how much calmer you will feel.

Play catch. Crumble up a sheet of paper into a ball and toss it in the air. Catch it. This is a great office stress reliever because it gets the whole body involved. Plus it focuses your mind on something else but the task at hand. Everyone needs a chance to play and this is one easy, quick way to do it. If you can, invest in one of those basketball hoops that fit over a wastebasket and use it. Pretty soon, your office mates may challenge you to a quick pick-up game: a new way to look at teamwork.

Of course, if things are really tense, the best office stress relief would be to get up and walk away from your desk, even if it’s just a quick stroll to the restroom or cafeteria. However, going outside would be the best option because it allows you to get some fresh air into your system. Take as long as you need to calm down.

Office stress relief exercises don’t have to be exotic, mystical movements. They can be done inconspicuously and provide almost instant relief, helping you to be more relaxed and more productive. Try them today.

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