Effective Ways to Relieve Stress in Your Day

Obviously, there isn't a one-size-fits-all option when it comes to stress relief. What works for one person might not work for another.

However, we do know that from minor challenges to major crises, stress is part of life. And while you can't always control your circumstances, you can control how you respond to them. When stress becomes overwhelming, or it's chronic, it can take a toll on your well-being. That's why it's important to have effective stress relievers that can calm your mind and your body.?

So that being said, it is extremely important for us to know how to handle stress and even learn to control stress in our lives.

Short-Term Stress-Relief Strategies You Can Do Anywhere

Whether you're about to be interviewed for a job or you're feeling overwhelmed by your child behavior at the playground, it's important to have some stress reduction tools that can lower your stress right now.

The Guided Imagery Method

Guided imagery is like taking a short vacation in your mind. It can involve imagining yourself being in your "happy place." Picture yourself sitting on a beach, listening to the waves, smelling the ocean, and feeling the warm sand underneath you. Whatever makes you most at peace and happy.

Guided imagery can be done with a recording where you listen to someone walk you through a peaceful scene. Or, once you know how to do it yourself, you can practice guided imagery on your own.?

Simply close your eyes for a minute and walk yourself through a peaceful scene. Think about all the sensory experiences you'd engage in and allow yourself to feel as though you're really there. Wait a few minutes, open your eyes and return to the present moment.

The Meditation Method

Meditation brings short-term stress relief as well as lasting stress management benefits. There are many different forms of meditation to try. Each one is unique and brings its own appeal.

In order to do this, you might develop a mantra that you repeat in your mind as you close your eyes and take slow deep breaths. Or, you might take a few minutes to practice mindfulness, which involves being in the moment. Simply pay attention to what you see, hear, taste, touch, and smell.

The Progressive Muscle Relaxation Method

Progressive muscle relaxation involves relaxing all the muscles in your body, group by group. To practice, you can start with a few deep breaths.

Practice tightening and relaxing each muscle group, starting with your forehead and moving down to your toes.?With practice, you'll learn to recognize tension and tightness in your muscles and you'll be able to relax more easily. Each time you practice, however, you should experience a feeling of relaxation sweeping through your body.?

The Breathing Method

Just focusing on your breath or changing the way you breathe can make a big difference to your overall stress level. Breathing techniques can calm your body and your brain in just a few minutes.

The best news is, no one around you will even know you're doing them. So whether you're in a stressful meeting or you're sitting in a crowded airport, breathing exercises could be key to reducing your stress and slowing your heart rate, which in turn will lower your blood pressure.

Two of the most simple methods of breathing include:

Breathe in through your nose and watch your belly fill with air. Count slowly to three as you inhale. Hold for one second and then slowly breathe out through your nose as you count to three again.

Breathe in through your nose and imagine that you're inhaling peaceful, calm air. Imagine that air spreading throughout your body. As you exhale, imagine that you're breathing out stress and tension.?

The Physical Exercise Method

Exercise is a fantastic stress reliever that can work in minutes. Taking a walk allows you to enjoy a change of scenery, which can get you into a different frame of mind, and brings the benefits of exercise as well.

So whether you just need to take a stroll around the office to get a break from a frustrating task or you decide to go for a long walk in the park after work, walking is a simple but effective way to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Getting away from your computer and phone for a "de-stress and decompress" moment is crucial. So get up and leave your phone behind for just a few brief moments - in order to mentally get on track and get your blood moving.

In doing these small destress methods, you will notice your fatigue will decrease, your energy will increase, and your overall day will be more positive.