5 Ways to De-Stress

#StayBalanced

1. Exercise!

It may sound simple. It may sound like something you don't want to do or something you feel you don't have time to do... But... give it a try and you will notice a difference straight away. Research shows there is an increase in our happy hormone 'Dopamine' when we exercise. Studies also show a decrease in levels of stress and anxiety in those who partake in regular exercise. All it takes is a quick half an hour before work, in your lunch break or when you get home!

2. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a type of meditation. It celebrates feelings of gratitude and helps us ground ourselves in the now, rather than worrying about the future or stressing about the past. Try the app Stop Breath & Think for an intoduction to the methods you can use to ground yourself and bring yourself to appreciate the present moment. One method is a simple body scan. All it takes is 5minutes and you can physically release all the tension from your body. Start with getting yourself comfortable. Notice the way your body feels. Then one at a time, starting at the head or the toes, tense and relax each body part, until the whole body feels calm and relaxed.

3. Deep Breaths

This one may sound silly but you'd be surprised how many people it works for. Studies suggest deep breaths can expell feelings of stress or anxiety. Often people who suffer major stress can feel overwhelmed and this can lead to a shortening of breath and a sense of panic. Take a moment out of the stressful situation and slow your breathing. Count to four for the in breath and six for the out breath.

Going for a walk can often naturally correct your breathing as you are focusing on the exercise rather than the breathing (2 in 1!)

4. Fresh Air

Get outside, feel the cold and take it all in. Taking a few moments out can often be all you need to go back and take on the task at hand. When you're stressed and all you want to do is curl up in a ball and forget it all, often all you really need is a brisk walk in the fresh air to realease dopamine (happyness) and to clear your head to think things through.

5. Write it down

Another techinique for relieving stress is to write everything down that is making you anxious or worked up. Once it is on paper, it's easier to start thinking of logical solutions. And, it's out of your head, on the page. Thus, opening up more brain space for thinking through solutions. If you are struggling to sleep, sometimes, the physical act of throwing away your stresses is enough to clear you head ready for sleep. Simply write a list of stressors, screw it up and throw it in the bin. Night time is for resting and recouperating!

If you have any other suggestions that work for you please get in touch!

Simply tweet @ComposureActive

or #ComposureActive on your instafeed.