4 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress Naturally

When stress strikes, it is really essential to have some simple techniques in your arsenal that allows you to deal with the emotions in the short and long term.

Breathe

Controlled breathing not only keeps your mind and body functioning at their best, it can also lower blood pressure, promote feelings of calm and relaxation, and help you de-stress. is also said to have the ability to heal some minor health problems and will also clear up headaches, neck aches and other stress  related issues.
Focus on the feeling of the breath going in and out of your nose. If other thoughts enter into your mind just let them pass. Don’t judge them or try to force them out. Just notice them and then bring your awareness back to the breath.
To start, inhale for a count of four, then exhale for a count of four . Do this 10 times and you’ll be refreshed.

Meditate
Meditation has a short term and a long term solution. It will calm you down and cause anxious thoughts to dissipate and weaken. In the long term it will help you to manage stress and become aware of stressful thoughts as they arise. When you become more aware in this way stress becomes less and less of a dictator and you become more and more in control.

Choose a focus for yourself, something to listen to or watch while you meditate. Some people pay attention to their breathing, while others repeat a word or phrase in their minds. You can make it up. One of our favourites is “let go.” You can also use a visual focus, such as a candle flame.

Get Sunlight and enjoy wide open space
People need a certain amount of sunlight in order to be happy and healthy. Too much or too little and we start to suffer both physically and mentally.

Weather can  easily affect your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels, taking a toll on all aspects of your life from your relationships and social life to work, school, and your sense of self-worth. You may feel like a completely different person to who you are when you spent sometime in the sun and being around open space:  Have lunch at the park or have a 30 mins walk around the village lessens your stress levels more effectively than just staying indoors.

Laugh & Smile
Laughter is good for your health. Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. Laughter boosts the immune system. It has been shown to lead to reductions in stress hormones such as cortisol. When laughing the brain also releases endorphins that can relieve some physical pain. Laughter also boosts the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T-cells, leading to a stronger immune system. Smiling makes you appear more approachable. Interaction with others is easier and more enjoyable when smiles and laughs are shared, and these behaviours are contagious, making others feel better too, and make you a more appealing and attractive person to be around. This in turn will have a positive effect on your well-being.  Spent sometime with friends and have a good laugh.