Reduce Stress In Four Easy Natural Ways | Lifestyle

by RussellStubbs

Our lives are filled with many sources of external stress. The amount of information that we receive and the increased level of communication helps to elevate stress levels. The media consistently remind us that there is lots for us to fear in such uncertain times. For people of all ages, children included, stress has become commonplace.

Stress is one of the main contributing factors in the development of disease and ill health. The changes in chemistry that result from stress affect most bodily systems adversely. Consistent exposure to the biochemistry of stress compromises our immune systems. Over 75 % of visits to the doctor in America are due to a stress related condition, stress has the effect of aging people prematurely.

The positive news is, we can learn techniques that are simple to use on a daily basis for bringing balance to the system and reducing stress. We need to learn to initiate the relaxation response by triggering the opposite branch of the nervous system. After practicing these techniques regularly, we can reduce stress and calm the system at any time. We all have the inbuilt ability to heal ourselves and this works at its best when we are stress-free.

Deep relaxation of the mind and body, also referred to as meditation, is a healthy habit to form. Research shows that regular deep relaxation/meditation causes positive changes to our brain and genes. This is different to the type of rest that we achieve when sleeping. There are a number of different approaches that can be used. For some, the use of a guided relaxation recording can help in the early stages.

Breathing techniques are another excellent way of triggering the relaxation response. The practices of Yoga, Tai Chi, and Chi Gong have included breathing exercises for thousands of years. Many Western medical studies now confirm the numerous physiological benefits of focused breathing techniques. Breathing techniques are a way of directly influencing nervous system activity.

Acupuncture is proven to be an effective tool for stress relief. Some research indicates that acupressure can be even more effective than needling for some conditions including stress and generalized anxiety. Self-applied forms of acupressure can easily be learned and used to reduce stress. Tapping techniques are a form of acupressure and are easily mastered. Stress relief points on the face and body are tapped with fingertips. The process is quick and convenient and the results are felt straight away.

A large amount of stress can be caused by dwelling on the past or fearing future events. The perfect antidote to this form of stress is bringing yourself back into the present moment consistently. There are different ways to do this and in time, with practice, it becomes easier. Spending time in nature and using your senses is a simple technique which is highly effective. During a walk either in a park or in the countryside allow yourself to experience it using your senses, try seeing, touching, smelling and hearing all that you are experiencing.

Stress is likely to be a part of our lives and it's hard to avoid it completely. The secret is to make time in our busy schedules to practice calming and relaxing our systems. As with anything we practice, these techniques get better the more we use them. Triggering the relaxation response becomes easier and more natural. More health benefits from reducing stress are being discovered all the time, so it's a good idea to try harder at doing less.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

About the author: Russell Stubbs specializes in Stress Reduction Training. He is a coach, therapist and trainer from the UK. He is a Lightning Process advanced trainer. Russell also travels to Norway where he offers Lightning Process i Norge. Visit the website for free stress relieving strategies including a free relaxation mp3.