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Stress & relaxation

by admin_ben — last modified 2008-01-24 03:03

Stress is described as ‘a state of emotional or mental strain or tension resulting form adverse or demanding circumstances’ in the Oxford dictionary. We hear a lot about stress these days but what makes you stressed? Most of us get stressed from time to time but all the evidence shows that exposure to continuous stress damages health. Stress leaves you feeling tense, anxious or worried. It's important to develop techniques to cope with stress and also to learn how to relax.

What do you think of when you think of relaxation? Do you imagine yourself by a pool, chilling on the sofa with a good book or maybe having a laugh with friends? When you are fully relaxed you are free from tension and anxiety and your body can rest and recuperate after a period of work or stress. What makes you relax? And how long does it make you feel relaxed for?

Ten top relaxation tips to beat stress

  1. Get as much sleep as possible and rest when you can - this helps you face life with a smile.
  2. Healthy eating - making sure you get those five portions of fruit and veg a day, trying to avoid alcohol and cigarettes and other stimulants like coffee.
  3. Get fresh air and exercise every day. Don’t worry if you don’t get time for exercise classes at present - pushchair jogging, dancing and gardening are all good exercise.
  4. Make a note in your diary next time you’re really stressed. After a while you will notice triggers. Try to do something about this. Just taking a proactive stance may make you feel better.
  5. Use relaxation exercises and de-stressing therapies.
  6. Talk to somebody everyday, ie just to pass the time of day or call somebody for a chat.
  7. Listen to your instincts– they’re phenomenal.
  8. Do deep breathing exercises for 5 minutes per day.
  9. Have a good laugh - it helps to relax muscles and massages the internal organs.
  10. Try writing your thoughts down. It can really help to get things off your chest and help you think more clearly. Whether it be a “to do” list, your future dreams or something that’s really irritated you, it can help to off load.


See also:
Relaxation exercises

‘Stress - dealing with it’ on the BBC website

Disclaimer
All content in the Healthy Ideas section is for general information only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your GP if you are concerned about your health. SPAN is not responsible or liable for any actions taken by a user of this site. SPAN is not liable for the contents of any external sites listed, nor does it endorse any advice, products or services mentioned on these sites.

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