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10 Proven Tips for Stress Management
By Vishal P. Rao

It is not possible to avoid stress in the present day scenario where rising cost of living requires you to struggle every moment of your life. Life, on the other hand, is also known to throw challenges every now and then. The only option available to you is to manage stress.

Some amount of stress is actually beneficial. It eggs you on to improve performance and meet deadlines. Stress becomes harmful only when it is internalized. Constant stress can create havoc in your life and cause physical as
well as mental problems.

Stress medication should be avoided at all costs not only because it provides only temporary relief but also because the drugs for treating stress have serious side effects. Anti-anxiety drugs are also prone to lead to dependency, a position that you would obviously want to avoid.

Coping with stress is not very difficult. Many stressors are of little substance or so insignificant that simply identifying them can sometimes provide a solution. Many
times avoiding stress is as easy as learning to say no or learning to act rather than reacting to situations.

Here are 10 proven tips that will go a long way to help you lead a stress free life:

Smile

Smile is one the best de-stressors. Studies reveal that the muscles involved in smiling actually help to stimulate that part of the brain that makes you happy. You need not have to wait for an opportunity for someone or something to make you smile. Faking a smile can work wonders too. Just close your eyes, smile and take a slow deep breath. Now slowly exhale, keeping the smile intact. Practice this for
5 minutes and see the difference it makes to your mood.

Meditate

Meditation helps you detach from the outside world and connect to your inner self, which is the seat of true happiness. Unfortunately, majority of us try to seek
happiness outside among material things. Just ask yourself this question - has anything made you eternally happy? NO! No sooner you achieve a material gain, the pleasure you receive doesn't last long enough. Immediately you will want
something better. And the cycle continues. The real happiness lies inside within us and meditation helps you to connect to the source of happiness inside.

Exercise

Exercise for managing stress does not necessarily involve strenuous workouts. A reasonably active lifestyle, regular walks or jogging, trekking and sports are also effective tools for managing stress. Exercising also distracts as it almost involves a change of scene. Moderate to high levels of exercise stimulate release of endorphin, a brain chemical that promotes 'good' feelings.

Eat Healthy

Eat good foods to ward off stress. A healthy and well balanced diet is crucial to maintain health and reduce stress. Foods and drinks like caffeine, alcohol, fats and sugar may appear to provide short term relief from stress but cause harm and increase stress in the long run. Eat plenty of veggies, fruits and fresh wholesome food.

Maintain Correct Posture

A correct posture not only reduces physical stress but also necessary for avoiding undue pressure on nerves. Maintain a correct posture that does not cause undue stress to neck, shoulders, wrists or back. A straight spine also facilitates full range of movement of the lungs thereby helping it to work at its peak.

Be Grateful

Contentment is one of the surest ways for a stress free life. True calm is not possible if you keep vying for material possessions that you do not have. True calm comes from within and being grateful for what you have.

Massage

Massage therapy has its roots in ancient Indian, Greek, Chinese and Roman cultures. It is a combination of art and a science. The artistic hand strokes on the body, especially with application of essential oils, eliminate stress and rejuvenate the body.

Distract Yourself

Stress in the Stone Age involved either fighting or fleeing from the scene. Modern stress, which is more in the nature of psychological stress, is difficult to fight. It
bounces back with greater vengeance if you try to fight it. Distraction is like fleeing from a stressor. Try changing the scene. Concentrate on the activity at hand or focus on physical sensations or be mindful of the 'present' to take your mind off from your problems.

Take Slow Deep Breaths

Taking slow and deep breaths is a time tested method of reducing stress. You can do this anywhere and anytime. Slowly and steadily take a deep breath in, pause and then exhale slowly and pause. Repeat as many times as you can
and see how it has a positive effect on your mental state.

Take Power Naps

Many people feel drowsy, tired and stressed in the afternoon after having stayed awake for eight hours. A power nap or mid-day sleep reduces stress and improves cognitive functions. A power nap in the afternoon improves your performance, keeps you alert and goes a long way to keep you stress free for the rest of the day.
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Vishal P. Rao provides authentic tips, techniques and resources to manage stress on his site - Guide to Stress Management.

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