Stress. We hear this word thrown around a few too many times. Maybe you’ve been saying, “I’m so stressed,” often these days. Stress is a common phenomenon that can affect people in numerous ways. So being stressed is actually normal.
Different people have different stressors. You might be so worked up about a new coworker, but your other coworkers don’t seem to be concerned. And some people have better stress-coping mechanisms than others.
Why do we feel stressed anyway? Well, it’s the body’s reaction to threat or harm. The human body naturally produces a chemical reaction that helps us prevent injury. Scientists call it the “fight or flight” tendency.
So a little stress is good for your body. It helps you become more productive and prepares you for danger. In fact, our bodies are equipped to handle small doses of stress.
But there’s a limit to that. Too much stress is dangerous. It shifts from being a state of mind to a cause of physical or mental illness. So you have to do your part in helping your body cope with stress. Here are some activities that might help:
Reiki Healing
Reiki is a traditional Japanese form of alternative healing. It’s a hands-on technique wherein universal energy is said to be transferred from the palms of the healer to the body of the patient. Reiki healing stands on the principle that we experience illnesses because the energy flowing in the body is either blocked, diminished, or unbalanced.
Reiki healing has been found to heal numerous physical, mental, and emotional sicknesses. It rebalances and harmonizes our bodies, making it a perfect activity to relieve stress. There are also Reiki 2 healing courses in case you want to try your hand at the technique.
Yoga
This originated from the belief that the mind and body are one. It is performed as a way to reconnect with ourselves and develop a sense of mindfulness — focusing on thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
Now, yoga is a common activity to help with relaxation and stress relief. The gentle movements help promote health, flexibility, and overall fitness. Take time to do a few yoga poses every day. Practicing these stretches and breathing exercises will help you reconnect with your mind and body to put you in control of your feelings and emotions.
Massage Therapy
You might be feeling stressed because of physical tension in your body. And the perfect way to address that is through massage therapy. This activity has been reported to promote a lot of benefits in both the body and mind.
The technique helps relax muscle tissue, which, in turn, reduces pain and improves muscle function. A massage also helps blood and oxygen circulation in our bodies. It lowers our heart rate and blood pressure, which is why it helps us feel more relaxed and at ease.
Saltwater Bath
Surely, you’ve heard people say that going to the beach helps them relax. The clear blue sky and relaxing sound of waves may do a lot in stress reduction. But it’s not only a state of mind. In fact, there’s a scientific reason behind it.
Ocean water contains high levels of magnesium. This chemical, when absorbed by our bodies, lowers blood pressure and improves circulation. It has also been associated with relieving cramps and headaches, improving sleep quality and promoting skin health.
Soaking yourself in ocean water will help you relax and relieve stress. If you don’t have time to flock to a beach, you can always take a saltwater bath at home.
Learning how to relieve stress will help you manage your physical and mental well-being. So it’s up to you to make sure that you’re coping well with stress and improving the quality of your life.
