by W.C. Klein

Created on: November 22, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

The best ways to cope with stress are different for everyone. This article will present different techniques that will help to get you in a stress free routine. These will also help to alleviate some symptoms that result from your stress. These range from physical fatigue, mental exhaustion, inability to focus and lack of concentration. Some days are worse than others, but if some of these methods are used they can be invaluable in concentrating your focus and organizing your priorities to help you in everyday life.

Deep breathing is used by many and is often beneficial in conjunction with other stress reducing practices. The best way to learn to do it properly is to lie on your back with a hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Inhale deeply through your nose while counting to ten slowly. If done properly only the hand on your stomach should rise. Exhale through your mouth slowly while you again count to ten. The hand on your stomach should go down as you contract your abdominal muscles.

Visualization is sitting in a quiet place with your eyes shut imagining a place or event that optimizes your relaxation. This can be easier if you have a recording that has all the sounds likely to be in that place. If you're thinking about the beach, use a recording with sea gulls and waves while imagining a mental picture. With some practice you'll smell the tanning oil, feel the warmth of the sun and maybe even taste the small umbrella drink that you last enjoyed there.

Muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing individual muscle areas. Start at the bottom with your feet. Tense and hold them for a few seconds then totally relax them. Repeat this process until you reach your head, by then your entire body should be completely relaxed.

Massage is another alternative and is a great way to relieve muscle tension. Once the tension is eased it is easier to concentrate, focus on particular tasks and execute tedious duties of everyday life. Self massaging techniques can be easily learned and used regularly basis.

An effective technique called mindfulness is often used in meditation. It's a pleasant passive exercise that is very beneficial. This involves not thinking of anything in the past or future. It is about the moment and nothing else. The relaxation comes from not thinking about anything except the feelings that you have now.

Yoga is a series of movement and positions combined with deep breathing. There are different physical levels in yoga and you must first take into account your physical condition. Find yourself a nice quiet area where there are no distractions and room to move. Start with simple routines and gradually build up to the level you are comfortable with. If it becomes too uncomfortable or too physical for you then stick to the low impact routines.

Tai chi is another great way to kick that stress monkey. This is a low impact, less physically demanding, self paced practice involving a series of slow, flowing motions. It has roots in martial arts and involves some of those movements, but is not competitive. It is very user friendly and is often used in martial arts to calm the mind while conditioning your body. When practiced and combined with deep breathing can be an excellent alternative to yoga.

Give these methods a try and you'll find a technique that works best for you. These are great ways to leave your stress at the office, the gym or even in a totally imagined place. Don't let stress affect your personal health, your family or your relationships. Remember, it's not the stress; it's the way you deal with it.

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