Don’t stress out over having stress, instead learn how you can cope by managing stress better.  Once you have identified the stressful areas in your life that need more attention, you can employ a variety of techniques to see what works best.  Give these techniques time as it takes practice to perfect them.

  1. Mindfulness – Reducing stress by being fully engaged in the moment; no over-thinking, no dwelling on the past, no worry about the future.
  2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation -The alternating tensing and relaxing of muscles (deliberate tensing but not overbearing) to train yourself on noticing relaxation of the body. Start with the head and work your way down including both sides of the body.  Add deep breathing for best results.
  3. Guided Imagery – This technique involves using your mind to project to an image of a place that you may or may not know exactly. This scene you make up should be your perfect calm place… the edge of a lagoon, a beautiful hiking trail, anything that works for you.  First you need to envision yourself there, then you involve all your senses to really immerse yourself in the scene.
  4. Massage, Yoga, Aromatherapy, and getting in your Exercise Zone – All this and more can be accomplished right here at Century Fitness. Whew, I feel like a weight was just lifted…

Sources: The American Institute of Stress; SelyeInstitute; hydesmith.com/de-stress/files/StressMgt.pdf

 

This article is intended to provide general knowledge of health and fitness principles and should not be taken as medical advice or used to diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Always consult your doctor or licensed healthcare provider for personalized advice on diet and exercise.