How to De-Stress and Relax

Everyday people rush through life building up stress that keeps them from relaxing and learning to enjoy the small things that are part of their life. Parenting, working and everyday demands can really take a lot out of a person try to learn how to de-stress

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A little time
• A positive attitude
• A quiet place

1. Take time to unwind and do something that gives you pleasure. If you like to look out over water, try to find a park with a pond where you can sit and enjoy the serenity of rippling water. If you enjoy nature, take a walk where you can take in the fresh air and warm feeling of being surrounded by foliage. If you like to read, spend a few minutes with a good book. Even a hot bath or shower can help you relax. Most importantly, when you take your time to do what makes you happy, clear your mind for that few minutes so that you are able to enjoy and savor the moments.

2. Learn to let things go in your life. If you are holding onto stress from work when you get home, its going to make being at home even more tense when you have to get your kids fed and bathed and ready for bed. If you continually tell yourself you have to relax eventually you will listen. Be sure to give yourself a few minutes at the end of the day to let go of work and all the rushing around that you had during the day. If you are a stay at home parent, let the spills and shrills of children go and take a moment to relax before starting your evening rituals. Treat your stay at home job as if you work outside the home in your mind.

3. Everyone needs to sleep and the sad news is that Americans don't get enough sleep. Set a bedtime for yourself that gives you at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep and stick with it. It's hard to adjust to but if you can get into the routine you will find that you won't be as stressed during the day. Exhaustion makes us edgy and irritable and more tense throughout the day and evening. Take time to unwind before bed, have a cup of hot decaffeinated tea or eat something that makes you happy to fill your stomach and allow you to sleep better. Stop drinking caffeine type drinks in the mid afternoon so the affects will wear off and you can let your natural hormones take over.

4. Keep your bedroom free of clutter and television. The room you sleep in should be comforting and allow you to take that deep breath and relax as soon as you enter the room. A hot shower or bath before bed will help you relax your muscles and a nice comfortable bed will wrap itself around you. Don't let your mind wander about what you did or didn't do during the day or have to do the next day. Think of flowing water or floating in the air to get your mind clear and allow you to drift off to sleep.

5. No matter what you find joyous or relaxing you should allow yourself a few minutes each day to do something that gives you pleasure. Take time for yourself and take care of yourself. If you don't no one else will either and you can't do all the things you need to do if you aren't up to the challenge of a busy life.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are having trouble sleeping or you feel stress is causing you to feel unwell you should seek advice from your health care provider.

[didi8u]

on 7/13/2009 Excellent tips on How to De-Stress and Relax. 5* and rec. Thanks for sharing.

[femwriter]

on 7/7/2009 This is a good article. 5*

[kevzen]

on 7/2/2009 It's something we all need to do!