6 Natural Ways to Relieve Stress

Stress is a natural and necessary part of life, but, when we encounter a stressful situation, our bodies undergo a series of hormonal and biochemical changes that put as in a "fight-or-flight" mode. Our heart rate increases, adrenaline rushes through our blood stream, and our digestive and immune systems temporarily shut down. If the stressors continue and we stay on high alert for a prolonged period of time, we experience exhaustion and burn out. To avoid this, try one of these 6 natural ways to relieve stress and return to a state of calm and relaxation.

1) Deep Breathing. When you’re facing a stressful situation, you can reduce your stress simply by deep breathing. Deep breathing involves not only the lungs, but also the abdomen. To experience abdominal breathing, sit comfortably with your back straight. Put one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Inhale through your nose and the hand on your stomach should begin to rise. Your other hand should move very little. Exhale as much air as you can while contracting your abdominal muscles. Once again, the hand on your stomach should move in as you exhale, but your other hand should move very little.

2) Progressive Relaxation. You can combine deep breathing with the controlled contracting and relaxing of muscles to achieve an additional level of relief from stress: To experience progressive relaxation, loosen your clothing and get comfortable. Tighten the muscles in your toes. Hold for a count of 10. Relax and enjoy the release of tensionFlex the muscles in your feet. Hold for a count of 10. Relax. Move slowly up through your body--legs, abdomen, back, neck, face--contracting and relaxing muscles as you go. Breathe deeply and slowly.

Meditation. When you meditate you bring together all of the mind’s energies and focus them on a word, a sound, a symbol, a comforting image, or your own breathing. People typically meditate sitting on the floor or in a chair with their eyes closed in a quiet, clean place. All meditation practices involve the development of mindfulness--being fully engaged in whatever is happening in the present moment, without analyzing or otherwise “over-thinking” the experience.

Cardiovascular exercise. If you’re trying to manage or relieve stress, you should try working up a sweat on a regular basis because vigorous exercise helps the mind as much as it benefits the body. You can start with as little as 15 minutes, twice a week. However, 20 to 60 minutes, five or more times a week is recommended for optimal stress management.

5) Yoga. Yoga is a broad term for a series of practices, which unite your physical, mental and spiritual resources with the goal of attaining a state of wholeness and completeness. Yoga postures are designed to balance the different systems of the body, including the central nervous, the endocrine (glandular), and the digestive systems. By slowing down your mental activity, taking your mind off the causes of stress, and having you gently stretch your body in ways that massage your internal organs, yoga helps you create dynamic peacefulness within yourself.

6) Tai Chi. Tai Chi is a series of slow, gentle, flowing body movements that emphasize concentration, relaxation, and the conscious circulation of vital energy throughout the body. Tai Chi is primarily practiced today as a way of calming the mind, conditioning the body, and reducing stress. As in meditation, Tai Chi practitioners focus on their breathing and keeping their attention in the present moment.

You can select one or more of the above natural ways to relieve stress according to your lifestyle and preference. Stress is unavoidable, but being stressed out isn't. Implementing these practices into your daily routine can go a long way toward reducing stress in your life and leaving you healthier and happier.

Seamus McGillicuddy writes about reducing and managing the stress in our lives at his blog Stress Relief. To learn about a revolutionary easy-to-follow program that will kick stress, depression, and anxiety out of your life FOREVER, visit his website Incredible Discoveries.