5 Ways to Stress Less and Relax More

Is stress, worry or anxiety getting in the way of your daily life? Do you frequently feel like there are not enough hours in the day for all of the tasks you need to do?

If you said yes to either or both of these questions, you can be assured that you are not alone. In the modern world, it has been acknowledged that stress is one of the biggest challenges in people's lives. Many health issues are connected to stress and so your stress levels should be monitored.

If stress is a problem for you, here are my top five favourite ways to release stress, so you can relax more and stress less.

1. Focusing on Your Breathing

Sit down and slowly close your eyes. Take a deep breath in and out of your nostrils. By taking your attention away from your surroundings and focusing on your breathing, you will be able to slow your thoughts down. Breathing deeply brings more oxygen to your cells, flushing your body and brain with instant energy. Think of this as the most simple, yet powerful and effective form of meditation.

2. Stretch Your Body

Gently stretch your body with kindness and love. With each movement, you make, celebrate your body and notice its features. From your wrists to your arms, to your neck, your spine, your legs, your ankles and your knees. Focus on bringing attention to your neck by dropping your left ear towards your left shoulder, then releasing your right ear towards your right shoulder until four find a space opening up in your neck and upper shoulder area. Repeat this stretch a few times then drop your chin down to your chest. 

3. Self Massage and Gentle Touch

When you're mentally and emotionally stressed, that stress is then translated to your physical body. To relieve this unnecessary pressure on your body, it can be helpful to use self-massage. Begin by gently massaging parts of your body, starting at the fingertips and hands. Typically body parts such as the back, shoulders, legs, arms, face and jaw are most affected by stress. Start massaging these parts of your body in order to identify where the stress lies inside you. 

4. Laugh and Smile

Although this may seem like a challenging task when you are experiencing negative emotions, smiling can have a huge effect on the mind and body. Begin with a tiny smile, then allow this smile to spread widely across your face. Breathe this smile all the way into your centre. Close your eyes and drink in this new state: the relaxed, happy and peaceful feeling. Feel yourself feeling happy, grounded and centered.

 5. Create and Eat Something Healthy 

There is nothing like settling in the kitchen and creating a deliciously healthy meal or snack. By eating a balanced and healthy diet you are helping your body to manage the physiological changes of stress. Try to eat whole, natural foods, avoid excessive amounts of substances such as caffeine and alcohol. 

About the Author

Katrina Love Senn is an international yoga teacher, retreat leader, healer and author of 2 books. Katrina has taught her unique Healing Hatha Yoga Classes and Healing Retreats all over the world, including beautiful destinations such as the Greek Islands, Italy, Sardinia, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and Bali. Her goal in life is to help women and men lose weight naturally and heal emotionally so they can start living their dreams.