Stress may not be reduced easily but it can be managed effectively! Learning a few techniques of stress management, which can be done on our own, has become a necessary skill in today’s dynamic world.
Stress has become an unavoidable part of modern lifestyle. Stress management, which mainly includes time management, and breathing and relaxation techniques, helps reduce tension. Some simple exercises prevent stress from taking a toll on the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of a person. Instead of erupting in a fierce debate over ‘life and stress’, it is better to learn various types of exercises for stress management.
Exercise and Stress Management
Relaxation Exercises
These are breathing exercises. Normally while breathing, you use only a small fraction of your lungs, providing insufficient oxygen to the lungs. Slow and rhythmic breathing allows you to draw copious amount of oxygen into the lungs, which then is supplied to the blood. Basic breathing techniques can help drive away anxiety and various disorders like high blood pressure or cardiovascular diseases. Breathing is the link between your mind and body. If you opt for various ways of rhythmic breathing like anulom vilom pranayama, or bhramari pranayama, you can notice the difference in your state of mind, within a few days. What’s more, these exercises are not even time-consuming!
Yoga
Yoga exercises involve various postures and holding your body in those postures for a while. Breathing control is an important aspect of these exercises. They help in increasing the rate of body metabolism and level of energy. The most amazing fact about these exercises is that they bring about a spiritual awakening and a holistic change in the functioning of your body. Kids can pick up yoga techniques quickly and they are among the best stress management exercises for them.
Aerobic Exercises
Aerobic exercises are usually long in duration but low in intensity, offering the required oxygen to the body. Adults as well as children enjoy doing these exercises which include walking, jogging, swimming, biking, ballroom dancing, etc. They can be done with or without equipment. As kids too are stressed most of the time, it would be better if they follow some of the relaxation exercises that are designed for children.
Cardiovascular Exercises
Treadmill workouts or any type of cardiovascular exercises of your own choice can help relieve stress. Your physical as well as mental health can be improved with the help of regular work outs. Remember, the warmup and cooling down exercises should be done religiously.
Laughter Yoga
Laughter yoga is a very easy way of driving away stress. All you are supposed to do is laugh! If you join a laughter club, you will learn various ways of laughing. Laughing with other club members can be a totally different experience. With a new outlook, you will start enjoying your life. The relaxation of facial and body muscles will offer you lots of energy.
Meditation
Doctors can prescribe pills as stress relievers but the natural way of achieving stress relief is to meditate. There are various types of meditation techniques like Buddhist meditation, Zen meditation, Vipassana meditation, etc., and you can choose the one you like.
Hypnotism
If you are interested in hypnotism, you can learn the technique of self-hypnosis which can help relieve stress.
It is essential to learn the techniques of yoga and meditation. They work as stress relievers and can help you overcome all the difficulties.