Top 5 Stress Relief Tips

Stress Relief Tips: Control Your Emotions

Emotional health is absolutely essential to your physical health and wellbeing.

It doesn’t matter how devoted you are to diet and lifestyle, you won’t achieve your body’s ideal healing and preventative powers if emotional barriers stand in your way.

That's why tip number one is EFT. It's simple, it’s safe, and it works. Even a child can use it.

So exactly what is EFT?

This Extra Funky Therapy stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques, but is more commonly known as EFT tapping. It’s a powerful self-help tool that is drug free, non-invasive and so simple and easy to learn and apply.

It is based on the principles of acupuncture but without needles and it's an excellent tool to use on a daily basis to manage stress and negative emotions such as anger, resentment and frustration, as well as the physical symptoms of stress.

This quote by Eric Robins, MD captures the essence of EFT:

Some day the medical profession will wake up and realize that unresolved emotional issues are the main cause of 85% of all illnesses. When they do, EFT will be one of their primary healing tools.... as it is for me."

Eric Robins, MD

Stress Relief Tips: Exercise Every Day

My second tip is to exercise daily, even if it’s only for 30 minutes. Choose something you enjoy such as walking, dancing, bicycling or swimming or try a team sport.

If finances permit, get yourself a personal trainer or take a class at the gym. If you’re finding it difficult to make a commitment and stay focused, try buddying up with someone to keep you accountable and on track.

If finances are a problem, get back to nature and go for a walk for at least 30 minutes in the fresh air or on the beach. That won’t cost a dime and your mind and body (and stress levels) will love you for it.

Stress Relief Tips: Breathe Deeply

Tip three is to breathe deeply. When you’re stressed you don’t breathe properly and sighing or yawning can be a warning sign.

So take a deep breath in through your nose while you count to 7. Then exhale through your mouth as you count to 7 again. Do this 3-5 times.

Alternate nostril breathing is another great technique to help you integrate both sides of the brain – great for creativity –and it will also calm and relax you quickly.

Do this exercise for 2 minutes for relaxation or longer for mediation.

• Sit in a comfortable position and rest the index and second finger of your right hand on your forehead.
• Close your right nostril with your thumb. Now inhale slowly and gently through your left nostril.
• Close your left nostril with your ring finger and simultaneously open your right nostril by removing your thumb.
• Exhale slowly and soundlessly and as thoroughly as possible through your right nostril.
• Inhale through your right nostril
• Close your right nostril with your thumb and open your left nostril. Exhale through your left nostril and then inhale through your left nostril.
• Repeat breathing out and in each nostril for 2 minutes.

You might also like to finish with a glass of water because dehydration or lack of water is the number one contributor to fatigue.

Stress Relief Tips: Schedule “Me Time”

Tip four is to be selfish and schedule some “me time” on a weekly basis.

It’s easy to get caught up with work, family and other commitments but you will find you’re happier, healthier and more productive if you schedule in a little regular “me time”.

So treat yourself to:

• a massage, facial, or reflexology treatment,
• a warm bath with essential oils, candles and relaxing music
• coffee with a friend
• time out with a good book
• a walk along the beach or other favourite outdoor spot.

If you have the time to take a short break that’s great but you don’t have to schedule a whole day or weekend. Doing small things that make you feel good are the best stress relievers and if you can incorporate one or two into your schedule on a daily basis, even better.

Stress Relief Tips: Laughter is the Best Medicine

Tip five is to laugh out loud and laugh often because laughter really is the best medicine.

It’s impossible to feel down while you’re smiling or laughing so organise to see a good comedy with a friend at the movies, or call someone who has a great sense of humour that makes you laugh.

Finding ways to relieve stress and negative emotions that work for you on a daily basis will not only make you feel better in yourself, it will have a huge impact on your overall health and wellbeing.

You’ll also sleep better, laugh more often and feel more relaxed.

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