Ten Ways To Keep a Clear, Stress-Free Mind

Posted 05-09-2012

Stress can come in many forms: demanding work schedules, an argument with a loved one, continuous money issues or even car troubles. When you can’t change the circumstances that are causing you stress, what do you do? Experts from WebMD have compiled a list of 10 on-the-stop techniques to handle stress– anytime, anywhere. Have you tried any of these methods?

1. Meditate: When you catch yourself thinking about stressful ventures, experts say to keep busy by performing activities that let your thoughts escape – that can be anything from walking, swimming, painting, or knitting.
2. Dreamscape: Create a peaceful environment by simply visualizing anything that keeps your thoughts from current tensions. It could be a favorite vacation spot, a fantasy island, or winning the lottery. The idea is to take your mind off your stress and replace it with an image that evokes a sense of calm.
3. Breathe Deeply: Stress causes tension, changing the way you breathe can help you relax. Take in deep breathes, letting your stomach expand. Then exhale, allowing your chest and stomach to contract. Repeat 10 times.
4. Focus on One Project: Try to focus on one activity at a time. Don’t multi-task! Staying in the present tense can help promote relaxation and provide a buffer against anxiety and depression. As long as you can keep your mind focused on something in the present, stress will take a back seat.
5. Sip on Hot Tea: Coffee-drinkers consider going green. Coffee raises levels of the notorious stress hormone, cortisol, while green tea offers health and beauty. Chamomile tea is a great place to start– it helps to calm the mind.
6. Hug-it-Out: Induce the relaxation response by cuddling your pet, giving an unexpected hug to a friend or family member, snuggling with your spouse, or talking to a friend about the good things in your lives. Experts say social interaction helps your brain think better, encouraging you to see new solutions to situations that once seemed impossible.
7. Release Muscle Tension: When your muscles are tense and you don’t have time to visit a pro, try a simple self-massage technique.
8. Take a Break: Take a time-out. When you feel overwhelmed find a quiet place to sit or lie down and put the stressful situation on hold.
9. Put on Your Headphones: When times get rough, listen to music to calm your heartbeats. Research shows that listening to 30 minutes of classical music may produce calming effects equivalent to taking 10 mg of Valium.
10. Think Positively: Don’t let your bad attitude get you down. Start by envisioning anything that makes you happy. Creating a positive emotional attitude can also calm and steady your heart rhythm, contributing to feelings of relaxation and peace.

The Villa Orlando and Pasadena Villa’s Smoky Mountain Lodge are adult intensive psychiatric residential treatment centers for clients with serious mental illnesses. We also provide other individualized therapy programs, step-down residential programs, and less intensive mental health services, such as Community Residential Homes, Supportive Housing, Day Treatment Programs and Life Skills training. Pasadena Villa’s Outpatient Center in Raleigh, North Carolina offers partial hospitalization (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (PHP). If you or someone you know may need mental health services, please complete our contact form or call us at 877-845-5235 for more information.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/features/massage-therapy-stress-relief-much-more

http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/blissing-out-10-relaxation-techniques-reduce-stress-spot