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in modern society it is becoming far more impossible to avoid stressful situations. too much stress can be unhealthy which is why learning to relax is so important. we all cope with stress when we go to sleep at night. while we are sleeping, our bodies become very relaxed and our heart rate, blood pressure, pulse and body temperature decrease. this allows our bodies and minds a chance to recharge allowing us to face the next day with renewed energy. in theory, relaxation does the opposite of what stress does. it gives the body a break and helps cancel out many problems that stress may cause. relaxation can also reduce muscle tension. learning to relax is like learning a new skill. it takes practise to become good at it. here are a few ideas to help you achieve it. breathing. most of us take breathing for granted, in stressful situations our breathing can go off sync and we don't even notice. this can lead to muscle tension, headaches and anxiety. performing deep breathing exercises on a daily basis can help relieve stressful feelings. relax your muscles. our muscles tense when we are stressed. learn to recognise muscle tension and then learn to relieve it. use imagery. we were all great at this when we were children, imagining things all the time. learn to use your imagination again to relieve stress. for example, imagine you're sitting on the beach and can hear the waves crashing while feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin. exercise. exercise can have a calming effect that makes you feel, think and perform better. yoga is an excellent relaxer. but even just going for a brisk walk can make you feel so much better. ways to reduce your stress. firstly, take stock of your life and what may cause you stress. look to find a way you can eliminate or reduce some of the stress in your life. by reducing the problems you can reduce the symptoms of stress. take a look at your diet, certain things we eat can all contribute to stress. caffeine, alcohol and sugar can cause stress, whereas fruit and vegetables can help reduce it. quit smoking. nicotine increases nervous irritability. while quitting maybe a stressful process, in the long run you'll feel better once you've quit. make time for recreation and enjoy yourself. take up some new hobbies and make sure you allow enough time for these each week. keep a positive attitude. try and focus on the positive side of each situation. looking on the bright side lightens your load. you might not like certain things in your life, but instead of letting them frustrate you, try to accept them and find a way of working around them. have a massage once in a while. a massage will allow your body and mind to be intouch again. in stressful situatiuations our mind and body loose touch with one another. this contact needs to be re-established again. if you cant leave the house for whatever reason or don't have a partner to give you a massage at home try relaxing by yourself in the bedroom. climaxing is extremly relaxing. if you are alone or single, sex toys can help you along with this. learn to laugh. laughing can lower your stress levels and exercises your heart and cardiovascular system. by brightening your mood you can improve your well-being. finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. read a book or even see a counsellor to find out ways of making your life more manageable. stress can be a result of allowing daily irritations and frustrations to take control of your life. it doesn't have to be like that. you can anticipate difficulties, plan your time carefully, and be aware of how you react to problems. by attending to a particular problem you can create ways that put you in the driver's seat where you belong. by: chris simms article source: depositarticles.com

when you get stressed it is all too easy to turn to drugs, alcohol or prescriptions to mask the symptoms and try to make yourself feel better. my personal belief is that natural methods are far more effective and lasting, which is what we will cover in this article. stress will weaken your immune system and lower your energy levels, reducing your quality of life. taking time out to relax and rejuvenate yourself helps you feel better, have more energy and live longer. the following six natural stress reducers and things you can do to help to boost your immune system and reduce your stress: 1) humor. laughter really is the best medicine and it reduces the stress hormones in your system. it also increases boosts your immune system through increasing the natural killer t-cells. start to see the funny side of life, go to comedy shows, watch funny movies or tv shows. these will help to boost your immune system and make you feel better. 2) diet. a healthy diet will help you to feel better and to keep your immune system in tip-top condition. vitamins a, c and e are extremely good for you, as are anti-oxidants (which fight free radicals and reduce the signs of aging). the omega fatty acids are extremely good for you and have been shown to have a very beneficial effect on your brain chemistry, contributing to you feeling happier and more energetic. if you eat a balanced diet with plenty or fruits and vegetables then you will get all the vitamins and minerals you require. however, if you do not feel you are getting enough or want more then supplements are highly recommended - though always buy good quality ones and do your research. 3) exercise is vital to relieving stress in that it works the stress hormones out of your body and prevents then from causing damage. exercise also boosts your immune system and releases endorphins in your brain which make you feel better. whatever type of exercise you choose, it is important that you do it regularly. some forms of exercise you might enjoy include walking, yoga, gardening, swimming, running, going to the gym, cycling or anything else that gets the body going. 4) sleep has a significant affect upon your stress levels and on your immune system strength. i am sure you have had very bad nights sleep and then found the next day you have two left feet and are all thumbs. with a continued lack of sleep, which is what happens when you are stressed, you are more prone to accidents, more irritable and less able to cope with what goes on in your daily life. it is when you are asleep that your body does most of its repairs, so it's vital you get the right amount of sleep for you each night - typically it is 8 hours, though some people need more, some less. find what is best for you. 5) music is a great way to relax. listening to music that helps you to relax and feel good will reduce your stress levels. exactly what type of music relaxes you is down to individual taste, but listen to the type of music that helps release your stress and makes you feel more relaxed. close your eyes, relax and let the music carry you along. 6) if you can think positively and reframe the events that happen to you in a positive light then you will find they no longer have such a strong stressful effect upon you. look at what is good about a situation or event; be grateful for what you have in your life, and just enjoy whatever life sends your way. this simple attitude will help to keep you relaxed whatever life may send your way. stress does not need to be managed through drugs and medicine, but can be most effectively managed through natural methods. use these six methods and enjoy the benefits of less stress in your life. article author: jason johns article source: depositarticles.com