Stress Awareness & Management Is Important Now More Than Ever!
A Small amount of stress can be good and perfectly normal under certain circumstances but when you are in the middle of a world wide pandemic it only exacerbates the condition. Your brain is hard-wired with an alarm system to protect itself when it perceives a threat and signals your body to release a burst of hormones that increase your heart rate and raise your blood pressure. This "Fight or Flight" response fuels you to deal with the threat but once it's gone your body is meant to return to a normal relaxed state. Now the nonstop complications of modern life and the added stress of being quarantined or unemployed at the moment due to the state shutdowns could lead to some people's alarm systems to rarely shut off. Stress management will provide you with the tools you need to achieve your normal "Off" relaxed state and reset your alarm systems. Over time, chronic stress can lead to serious health problems if your body always stays on high alert, don't wait until stress damages your heart, relationships and the quality of your life.
Types of Relaxation Techniques
Focusing your attention on something peaceful and calming regularly offers many great health benefits. Below is a list of suggestions but it is important for each person to find what works for them to make the practice more sustainable.
- Deep breathing
- Massage
- Meditation
- Exercise
- Tai chi
- Yoga
- Biofeedback
- Music and art therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Hydrotherapy
- Crafting/Crochet/Knitting
- Cooking/Baking
- Painting/Adult Coloring Books
Remember that relaxation techniques are skills and your ability to relax improves with practice. Don't let your effort to practice relaxation techniques become yet another stressor, be patient with yourself. If one relaxation technique doesn't work for you, try another technique. If none of your efforts at stress reduction seems to work, talk to your doctor about other options.
Also, bear in mind that some people, especially those with serious psychological issues and a history of abuse, may experience feelings of emotional discomfort during some relaxation techniques. Although this is rare, if you experience emotional discomfort during relaxation techniques, stop what you're doing and consider talking to your doctor or mental health provider.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/basics/stress-basics/hlv-20049495