Navigating through stress and anxiety might seem overwhelming, particularly in our rapidly changing contemporary environment. However, remember that you possess the capacity to modify your reactions to stressful events and create an atmosphere of calm within.
Here are seven strategies you can use in your daily life to help lower your stress and anxiety levels.
1. Butterfly Tapping
Interlace your thumbs so your hands form a butterfly and place your thumbs just below the dip between your clavicles. Close your eyes and breath in and out slowly while tapping your fingertips against your clavicle. You can tap both sides together or in an alternating pattern. Do this for 2-3 minutes.
2. Box Breathing
This measured form of breathing can be very helpful for reducing stress. Breath into your belly slowly to a count of four - hold the breath for four counts - release slow for four counts - hold for four counts. Repeat four times.
3. Stretch
Stand up to take a break from sitting. Take a deep breath in while you raise your arms above your head with your fingers laced together. Stretch upwards, release your hands, and bring them down to your sides while you exhale. Repeat this five times.
4. Nature break
Connecting with nature is a wonderful stress relief. Spend 10-15 minutes outside, if possible with bare feet on grass or dirt. If you're in a city and there is no grass, plants, or trees nearby, looking at images of nature can also be helpful.
5. Laughter
There's a big movement toward laughter yoga and it's health benefits. Start laughing and you may find that your mood changes. Even if you're not feeling it at the beginning, the act of really enjoying a belly laugh has lots of positive benefits. If needed check out a laughter yoga video.
6. Take a journal break
Journaling has been shown to be highly beneficial for stress reduction. Even a 10-15 minute journal break can be a good way to disconnect from stress. Consider either using a list of journal prompts and working through them one at a time, or simply practicing free-flowing journaling and writing whatever comes to mind until the timer goes off.
7. Positive self-talk
Positive input is important for your well-being and a great way to practice self-care. Take 5-10 minutes and talk out loud to yourself in a positive manner.
