ManifestingWellBeing.com
Manifesting Well Being for Health and Success
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Oct27
Quick Stress Relief Tips
Filed under: Positive Psychology, Stess Relief; Tagged as: breathing, focus, stress relief, to do lists, walkingNo CommentsWalking
Walking, especially with a focused mind, is wonderful for reducing stress. A good way to begin is by focusing while you walk, for a short length of time, such as 5 to 10 minutes. During this time you may focus on your breath, the sound of your footsteps, or the image of yourself achieving a goal that you want to accomplish.
Sitting Quietly and Breathing
If you are not able to get outside to walk, sitting quietly and focusing on your breathing is helpful. At first begin with a few minutes and then gradually increase the length of time up to 30 minutes. As you sit quietly you may simply focus on the inhalation and exhalation of your breath as it flows in and out of your body. You may want to try counting your breaths to help you stay focused. For example you might say to yourself as you breathe in, “in one, two, three” and then as you breathe out, “out one, two, three.”
Write Down Those Thoughts
Another exercise for times when you are worried, stressed, and overwhelmed by a list of things you need to do, is to write everything that is swirling in your head down on paper. Then pick one manageable thing to do, which once it is complete, will help you to feel better. Once this item is accomplished, focus on this good feeling of completion and acknowledge yourself for what you have done, instead of dwelling on what you have not done.
Deb Barnett, Ph.D. www.ManifestingWellBeing.com
“Manifesting Well Being for Health and Success”
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Oct6
Breathing and Counting to Reduce Stress
Filed under: Stess Relief; Tagged as: breathing, counting, heartmath, stress reduction, stress reliefNo CommentsHeartMath, www.heartmath.com, is a company that researches the connection between how the heart functions, the emotions, and cognitive functioning.
Unfortunately, today’s uncertain economy can cause a great deal of stress for people. An article recently posted by HeartMath on PRWeb http://www.prweb.com/releases/HeartMath/stress_anxiety_well-being/prweb1415844.htm explained the detrimental effects of stress when it goes unchecked:
“For many Americans the instability of the economy is feeling like an emotional roller coaster, triggering all kinds of emotions from blame and anger to fear and anxiety. While the current economic crisis can feel like a looming disaster waiting to drain the life out of your banking account, what’s worse, say HeartMath stress experts, is what could lie ahead. If people are unaware of how to handle today’s barrage of stress it will start to eat away at their vitality, health and well-being.”
Breathing is a simple, easy, stress reduction tool. It is useful because it doesn’t require any special equipment to do, it doesn’t take any extra time, it brings you more fully present into the moment, and it’s free!
One of the simple breathing exercises that I give to my clients involves counting to yourself as you breathe. You can vary the length of the counting, based on what feels comfortable to you.
For example
A) Count silently to yourself 1,2,3,4 as you breathe in
B) Hold your breath for 2 counts
C) Count silently to yourself 1,2,3,4 as you exhale
D) Hold your breath for 2 counts.
I recommend practicing for a few minutes, preferable morning and night. This will train you so that when you find yourself in a stressful situation. You are more likely to remember to breathe.
Enjoy!
Deb Barnett, PhD www.ManifestingWellBeing.com www.DeborahBarnett.com
