← How Much Is Enough?

How To Manage Email At Work →

5 Easy Ways To Break The Stress Cycle

Posted by Laura
May 19, 2008

Photo by mastrobiggoSince my husband’s accident in January, I am conscious that the level of stress I carry around in my body is much higher than it used to be, and that any additional stressful situation can send my stomach into cramps and my back into spasms. It’s almost as if my baseline has shifted upward, and I can’t seem to get it back down. Knowing that stress can lead to weakened immune systems, I have researched and compiled 5 ways to bring my stress levels down:

  1. Exercise. Even walking the dog will increase my oxygen intake, stretch out my muscles and distract me. (1)
  2. Take A Bath. With Epsom salts. Epsom salts can restore some lost magnesium levels, as well as loosen joints and muscles. (2)
  3. Meditate. 10 minutes of focus on nothing but my breathing can relax me. (3)
  4. Tai Chi. I took a mini-course in Tai Chi in the early 90’s and loved it. Since then, I have practiced it whenever I can. It combines stretching with concentration and a sort of meditation. I currently use the DVD Tai Chi – The 24 Forms DVD(aff)
  5. Eat And Drink Well. Stressful times means, for me, that I naturally gravitate toward high-fat, high-sugar, no-nutrition types of food. I have to consciously make the choice to drink water, eat lots of fruit and veggies, and whole grains. (4)

(1)“Stress And Exercise: Look Better, Feel Better”: About.com

(2)“Interrupt the stress cycle: five do-it-yourself alternative body therapies to bust everyday tension”: FindArticles.Com

(3)“Yoga, Meditation, and Other Relaxation Techniques”: HelpGuide.org

(4)“Stress Busters: The Stress Cycle”: FamilyEducation.com

Photo by mastrobiggo



Stress

Related Posts:

  • The Secrets of Eliminating Daily Stress: Perfectionism
  • Why You Should Take Your Lunch Break
  • The Secrets of Eliminating Daily Stress: Places
  • What Would You Put Behind You?
  • How To Stop Accumulating Stress [Stress]

    • Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader or email.

    Comments

    No comments yet.

    Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.