QUICK STRESS RELIEF STRATEGIES

The New Year has arrived, but for many of us, the impact of 2020 remains. Finding a way to maintain balance or rebalance yourself is essential – and within reach. Taking just a few moments for yourself can offer some much-needed relief from the outside world.

The University of Michigan highlighted the following One-Minute Stress Strategies:

Tension release:

Tense your muscles, one area at a time, and enjoy the relaxation upon release.
Take a deep breath and hold it as you curl your toes for about 5 seconds, then let your breath go all at once. Don’t ease off — let go completely!
Next, clench your calves, thighs, buttocks, arms, shoulders, jaws, and finally squeeze your eyelids.
Feel the tension leave your body — Aaah!

Deep breathing:

When tense, we often breathe from the upper chest. A full, deep breath helps relieve tension.
Take a deep breath, letting your abdomen expand fully.
Hold it for about 3 seconds.
Let your breath out all at once (with a sigh if you want).
As you exhale, relax your jaw and shoulders. Think calm…

Focused breathing:

When our minds are filled with stressful thoughts, our bodies become stressed. Focusing on body processes can help calm mental activity, which in turn can result in physical relaxation. This technique will help you take a break from stressful thoughts.

With your eyes closed, shift your attention to the tip of your nose.
As you breathe in, become aware of the air entering your nostrils.
As you breathe out, be aware of the sensations of air passing back out. Do this several times.
Repeat several times: breathe in… breathe out… breathe in… breathe out…

Ideal relaxation

Picture a place (real or imagined) where you can be totally relaxed.
With your eyes closed, take a moment to visualize an ideal place to relax. Make it any place attractive to you.
Using all senses, feel yourself in comfortable clothes, hear pleasant sounds, see beautiful colors.
Visit this spot whenever you need to relax. Take a mini-vacation!

4-7-8 breathing:

Slow it down to soothe mind and body —