Relax

Why.  
It is important to relax because it reduces stress.  We know stress, whether it is physical, mental, or emotional, is a part of every day life.  Fortunately, we have control mechanisms, known as the stress response, that help us adapt to everyday life stressors.  But when stress is severe, out of the ordinary, or lasts too long, our ways of coping can be overwhelmed.  This can result in high blood pressure, anxiety, back pain and other body aches.  Too much stress can create hormone imbalances, which contribute to insomnia, insulin resistance, hot flashes or migraines. 

Some of us, in our attempt to reduce stress acquire poor coping mechanisms to deal with the stress — smoking, alcohol, drugs, over reliance on sleep medications, overeating, and emotional outbursts – which overtime can be the only way we know to deal with stress.

Learning to manage and reduce stress in a more natural healthy way will ultimately effect every area of our lives – work, how we relate to our family and friends, our health, and success in life. 

Learning to reduce stress and relax requires learning some new things, practice, and our commitment to make different choices.  For some, you may need to get professional assistance.

What to do.
There are a variety of ways to reduce stress and relax.  What works for you, may not for another.  You probably already know what relaxes you.  Think about those things that bring you calm and peace.  Doesn't just thinking about it relax you?  Take the time to calm yourself, everyday, even for a minute.  A minute can grow to many minutes.  It all counts.  Here are some ideas to consider:

• Time management, block off time to relax;
  
  
• Balance work and play; do things that are fun;
  
  
• Take a deep breath, practice breathing exercises;
  
  
• Find a minute or more to meditate, pray, or do some progressive relaxation techniques with your body;
  
  
• Listen to the music you love;
  
  
• Laugh regularly;
  
  
• Read a good book;
  
  
• Eat slowly;
  
  
• Regularly exercise, incorporate some slower exercises that focus your mind and body like stretching and yoga;
  
  
• Garden;
  
  
• Spend time in nature - take in the beauty of your surroundings- listen, smell, look, touch, feel;
  
  
• Address relationship issues;
  
  
• Address issues with job, friends, family and self;
  
  
• Reduce stimulants and sedatives; and
  
  
• Have times where you schedule nothing.
  
  
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