Simple Ways To Relax

There's no doubt that there are certain times in our lives when we feel stressed, irritable, or out of sorts. We all have to realize that stressful tasks or environments are going to be with us no matter who we are.

Our feelings also affect those around us, and affects everything we do. If we are in a bad mood, it seems that everything becomes a sour note.

When we are in a positive frame of mind, or, are feeling more relaxed, we can usually deal with minor irritations with ease.

But, when we are in a negative frame of mind, or stressed, nothing seems to go right, and what were once minor irritations can lead to emotional meltdowns.

The secret to countering these moods or stressors is to first recognize our moods, and secondly do something about them to change how we are acting, behaving or feeling. Here are a few simple techniques that can help you relax and reduce your stress levels.

1. Learn to take a break.
I know this is sometimes easier said than done but it is important to adopt this practice especially when you've recognized that you're irritable or stressed. For example, working for long hours at computer stations is one of these "stressors. Finish the task at hand, and then get up and go for a short walk to help the body and mind cool off, get up from your desk and do some stretching exercises right there, or, go to the washroom and splash some cool water on your face.

2. Reduce or avoid stimulants.
For a lot of us, increasing our stress unknowingly has been a daily habit. For example, that third or fourth coffee in the morning can only increase our caffeine levels, which in turn, can over stimulate our nervous system, or those caffeine rich soda drinks, along with those tasty chocolate bars or chocolate candies, all adds up to a reduced capacity to handle stress.

3. Develop a CD of relaxing music.
For many of us, certain types of music have helped alter our moods. From classical, jazz, rhythm and blues, blue grass, country, instrumentals, big bands, to rap or whatever it happens to be, different types and rhythms can assist us to pick up our spirits or calm us down. After you've identified a mode of music that has helped you relax, make a CD or tape of all your favourite songs. Take this collection of music with you to work, in the car, and leave a copy at home so it is available to you when you need it most.

4. Create a calm inner voice.
Don't climb down your own throat with harsh language that portrays you as stupid, or inept, or unable to learn new skills. Develop a calm inner voice that reinforces an "I can" attitude that sees failures as lessons learned, that sees obstacles in life as an opportunity to develop solutions, and that allows you to calmly repel personal attacks or harsh words as if coming from someone who is only projecting their own inadequacies.

There is nothing special or unique about those persons who can deal with life's challenges other than that these people, hopefully you, have learned to give themselves licence to overcome life's stresses by using simple techniques applied often.