Thursday, July 29, 2010

Stress Relief

March 13, 2010 by Fatima Paracha  
Filed under General, Health, Living

Stress tolerance levels differ among individuals, but with a good nutrition, regular exercise, massage and different relaxation techniques, you can maintain stress management.

stress Coping and handling stress is an essential part of boosting ones energy levels for until stress is managed, it can be an effective deterrent to boosting energy, both mentally as well as physically. By following this well researched article you’ll notice a big difference.

Nutrition

Since your body loses its reserves of vitamin B and vitamin C and zinc rapidly when the pressure is on, good nutrition is as effective way to deal with stress. Step up your intake of green vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grain cereals, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to replace vitamin B (which boosts your immune system); citrus fruits to replace vitamin C; and liver, dairy products, red meat and shellfish for zinc. Bothe vitamin C and zinc are essential in the fight against infection. By adding vitamin supplements to your daily diet, you can obtain the vitamins too. Multi-vitamin supplements usually carry zinc, along with the vitamins required.

Soothing sounds

Sound therapy can have can have a powerful effect on your health. It is reputed to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, alleviate pain and even help to overcome learning disabilities. Harmonious tunes prompt the brain to emit a hormone which helps to control the production of adrenaline, which is released in large amounts into the bloodstream when under stress, and has a calming effect on the brain. Music also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. To calm fraught nerves and reduce tension, relax and tune into some soothing sounds.

Yoga

Yoga is as ancient practice that combines relaxation and exercise for both mind and body. It is an ideal way to reduce stress levels and to restore the natural equilibrium of your body. There are different types of yoga techniques. The safest way to practices yoga is to work with a professional instructor to begin with.

Meditation

To ease stress, try meditation. Either consult the experts to learn professionally or use this simple technique: find a quiet spot and sit with your legs crossed, back straight and palms facing up, resting on your knees. Close your eyes and completely relax. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale through you’re your mouth. Repeat this several times and either focus your thoughts on an object or imagine white light. Remain in this relaxed state for at least 15 minutes.

Floatation Tanks

Floatation tanks are the perfect place in which to relax and unwind. You lie on your back in 25-30cm of salty, buoyant water in a small, dark, enclosed chamber, listening to soothing music. The floatation has a calming effect on your mind, body and spirit, and will reduce levels of stress-related biochemicals within your body. Floatation tanks are not recommended if you suffer from claustrophobia. So a good substitute is a bath tub with a minimum lighting, you can try candles as the glow from a candle has a relaxing effect.

Sleep Tight

Difficulty sleeping or waking up in the morning feeling anxious are indicators that you are suffering from stress. To ensure a successful night’s sleep, dab a couple of drops lavender oil onto your pillow before going to bed. Alternatively, soak a pair of cotton socks in cold water, wring them out and put them on your feet. Then place a dry pair of socks over the top. The cold sensation will instantly draw energy down to your feet and you’ll feel calm and relaxed.

Although you shouldn’t go to bed with a full stomach, there are certain foods that may actually help you to sleep. Try snacking on bananas, figs, dates, yogurt, or wholegrain crackers. Drink a glass of warm milk before going to bed, as it contains tryptophan, a precursor one of the brain’s calming chemicals.

If you decide to take sleeping tablets, opt for a natural version. Passionflower, hop and valerian root are all plant remedies that instill a sense of calm without any of the adverse side effects commonly associated with chemical tranquilizers. These can be ordered from a store dealing in chemicals or a good pharmacy.

Aromatherapy

A bath infused with aromatherapy oils can ease stress and tension. Try lacing warm water with six drops of lavender or chamomile oil and wallow in the tub for 10 minutes.

Alternatively, soak a face cloth in warm water and three drops of lavender oil, and then wring it out. Lie down, put your feet up (rest them on a pillow), and place this compress on your forehead for 10 minutes.

Shiatsu Massage

If you are stressed, a professional shiatsu massage will ease tension. The Japanese interpretation of Chinese acupuncture, shiatsu (meaning ‘finger pressure’), involves the extortion of firm pressure on different points of the body that relate to different organ and energy path-ways. This addresses imbalances and ensures that the body’s energy which often becomes sluggish and blocked due to stress flows freely. Shiatsu is an invigorating massage, rather than relaxing experience.

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