5 Easy Pieces of Advice to Beat Stress

Beating stress doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are fi ve super-simple things you can try to achieve a more relaxed state:

1. Guided Imagery – Guided imagery harnesses the power of the mind to distract you from negative feelings or situations to produce a feeling of relaxation. It involves sitting quietly, breathing deeply and imagining yourself in a place that is relaxing, tapping into all of your senses to experience this place in your mind. With practice, you can return to this place of calm simply by recalling it.
2. Laughter – When you laugh, your oxygen intake increases, stimulating the heart, lungs and muscles and increasing endorphin levels in the body, which help elevate mood, reduce blood pressure and promote relaxation. Watch a funny movie, read comics or share jokes. Lighten up and lose the stress by making humour part of every day.
3. Music – Listening to music is known to calm brain waves, slow breathing and heart rate, lower blood pressure, release muscle tension, reduce anxiety and create a more positive frame of mind. Play music for a calmer workplace, a more enjoyable commute or to unwind after work.
4. Exercise – Exercise decreases levels of stress hormones like cortisol while stimulating the release of endorphins and other chemicals associated with feelings of well-being, like serotonin and dopamine. Feel happier now by stepping out for a brisk walk.
5. Yoga – The practice of yoga offers the combined benefi ts of controlled breathing, meditation, stretching and guided imagery. Its practice lowers heart rate and blood pressure, improves strength and flexibility and reduces anxiety and tension. Best of all, it’s accessible to people of all ages and abilities.