Regular exercise is a great way to release tension and manage stress. It can be a source of relaxation and an escape from hectic everyday events.
Take a brisk walk to clear your mind.
Do simple stretches at the end of the day to wind down.
Listen to music while you work out. You'll be amazed at how much easier the exercise is.
Exercise outside if the weather permits to get way from the telephone and other distractions.
In addition to
exercise, here are some other techniques to help relax your body:
Progressive muscle relaxation
Muscle tension often goes hand in hand with stress. To help relieve some of that tension, a simple technique called "progressive muscle relaxation" can help. It takes just a few minutes each day and involves tensing and relaxing various muscle groups. Here are some muscle groups to focus on:
Face
Neck and shoulders
Hands and arms
Buttocks and thighs
Calves and feet
As you progress through each muscle group, you'll begin to notice the tension being released from your body. Here's how it works:
Begin in a comfortable position.
Focus on one muscle group at a time.
Slowly tense your muscles and hold for 2-3 seconds. Then relax your muscles and breathe deeply. Notice the difference in how your muscles feel.
Do not hold your breath while you are tensing your muscle. Continue to breathe naturally.
Repeat with other muscle groups until you have focused on each area.
As a final moment of relaxation, spend a few minutes practicing deep breathing techniques.
Deep breathing
One symptom of stress is shallow, rapid breathing. Learning deep breathing techniques can help return your breathing to a slow, natural, rhythmic pattern.
Start by removing any distraction. Unplug the phone. Turn off the television.
Sit in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and focus your energy on your breathing. Become aware of each breath you take.
Place one hand on your abdomen and the other hand on your chest. Inhale slowly and count to four. Then exhale and count to six. Concentrate on which hands are moving as you breathe. Your lower hand should be moving more than your top hand, because deep breathing comes from your abdomen, not your chest.
As you continue to breathe, you will feel your body relax and your mind begin to clear.
Continue to breathe for a few minutes, then slowly ease your way back into an alert state of mind.