Stress Management: It’s a Matter of Life and Health
It's common sense that we all need to manage our stress. But, did you know that managing stress effectively is a matter of life and of health? Prolonged stress creates and/or aggravates many unsavory health conditions. That's the bad news....the good news is that active relaxation for a mere 10-15 minutes a day can reduce the negative impact of stress. Here's an easy way to start increasing your relaxation today. Managing your stress level now, you will save yourself a great deal of distress in the future.
- Select a comfortable sitting position where you are least likely to be interrupted.
- Close your eyes and direct your attention to your own breathing process.
- Breathe in through your nose, slowly, measured. Breathe out through your mouth, again, slowly, measure.
- Focus on your breathing. Notice the cool air as it enters your nose and the warm air as it leaves your mouth. If thoughts come, notice them briefly and then redirect your attention to your breath.
- After five minutes, stand and stretch before proceeding with your day.
Do this exercise for 5 minutes 2-3 times throughout your day and see how much of a difference it makes.