10 Ways to Relax and Relieve Stress

Stress seems to have become a constant factor in today's fast-paced society. Today's society is geared so much toward production and performance that we have forgotten how to smell the flowers occasionally. We do not have much of a time for ourselves when we can sit back and relax. It doesn't matter who you are or what you do, we all have to face many difficult and stressful situations. But if stress is left unchecked, it can wreak havoc upon our health.

Stress compromises our immune function resulting in colds, flu, fatigue, cardiovascular disorders and premature aging. Stress also increases heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels, adrenaline, cortisol, free radicals and oxidative damage. Learning how to effectively manage stress can mean the difference between being robust and full of life, or becoming susceptible to illness and disease. Here are some of the best ways to reduce stress and relax your body:

1. Meditation: Meditation is great not only for stress relief, but also for muscle relaxation. Research has shown that meditation can be helpful in lowering blood pressure and pressure, and increasing the number of "feel good" endorphins. You have to just sit in a quiet, comfortable place, close your eyes and focus on one single thought. Meditate and call for positive energy or alternatively, simply take deep breathes and empty your thoughts. Doing meditation for as little as 10 minutes is all it takes to experience the benefits.

2. Sleep: No cost, always effective. Getting enough sound sleep has a profound impact on your stress levels, immune function and disease resistance. Skimping out on sleep not only reduces your rate of recovery, it also increases stress levels in your body. Just don't oversleep though or you'll feel sluggish.

3. Listen to Music: Whether you are stuck in a traffic jam or getting ready for a tough day at work, listening to your favorite music is a great method of reducing stress and relieving anxiety. Soothing music can have a relaxing effect on an agitated, tensed mind. It can also lower your blood pressure, slow down breathing and heart rate. Find out what type of music helps you work the best and then create a collection of music to help you relax and feel good.

4. Take a Bath: Put on some soft music, light a candle and enjoy a nice warm bubble bath. Relaxing in a hot bath relieves sore muscles and joints, reduces stress and tension, and promotes a good night's sleep.

5. Engage your senses: Certain scents can have a calming, relaxing effect on your state of mind. You can try placing lavender, lemon or chamomile scented candles around your home or office. You can also use one of these scents in your bath.

6. Have a cup of green tea: Green tea contains an amino acid, Theanine, which helps in the production and release of a chemical called Dopamine. Both Dopamine and Theanine stimulate a feeling of well being in the body. However, caffeine can worsen the stress response, so avoid caffeinated beverages.

7. Laugh: Laughter cuts stress and promotes relaxation. That, in turn, helps immune cells function better. Find the humor in things and engage in activities that make you laugh to increase your immune function and disease resistance.

8. Exercise: Exercise will revitalize your body and mind and you'll be ready to face anything. Regular exercise and physical activity not only strengthens your immune system, cardiovascular system, heart, muscles and bones, but also helps in stress management by providing a distraction from stressful situations and boosting endorphins (the body's feel-good chemicals). Research shows that 20 minutes each day is all that is needed to experience benefits. So get some blood pumping and release some endorphins.

9. Massage: A full-body massage helps to release the tension and pain from the taut stressed out muscles. If you have never experienced a massage, you are missing out on one of the most wonderful things in life.

10. Think Positive: Optimism can counteract the negative impact stress, tension and anxiety has on your immune system and well-being. It's important to surround yourself with positive people. Negative vibes from friends and co-workers can spread, making it hard for you to relax. Look at a given situation differently. Perhaps the way you are looking maybe causing much stress.

These are some simple ways to relax your mind and body. Remember, you can always invent your own relaxation and stress management techniques. We all have busy lives and schedules, but even if you only have a few minutes that is enough time to relax and feel better.