Relaxation and Stress Reduction Exercises - Four Shortcuts to Avoid Stress

"... one, two, three..... shake your hands for ten seconds, stop shaking them, stay still, take a long steady breath in through your nose and slowly breathe out. Repeat 3 - 5 times, smile and relax..."

That is how easy it is to reduce stress and feel energised and light again.

There is a myth that you have to invest loads of money and time to learn how to manage stress. To a certain degree, that is true.

Companies invest money and resources to provide stress management training for employees. Such training helps you identify work-related stress factors and provide you with tools that you can use to reduce job stress.

However, at a micro level, there are plenty of simple relaxation exercises you can do by yourself at home or at work, which do not require expensive equipment or take up a lot of your time.

The following four relaxation and stress relief techniques are ideal shortcuts to stress release.

Four Shortcuts to Avoid Stress

1. Do Something You Enjoy. Have you noticed that when you do something you enjoy time flies? As you focus and concentrate, your mind relaxes and tension leaves your body. Doing something that you enjoy on a regular basis is the best way to manage your stress levels. Even pottering around the garden calms you and alleviates stress. Aim therefore to fill your day with activities that make you feel fulfilled and rested.

2. Spend Your Time With Positive People. Have you noticed that when you are around certain people you feel drained and emotionally flat? Whereas other people leave you feeling inspired, energised and rested. Wherever possible spend time with positive, optimistic people. Their energy will lower your stress levels.

3. Eat Wisely. Live, raw, wholesome and natural foods, such as dried fruit and fresh vegetables provide your body with the range of nutrients needed for maximum health. Wholegrain carbohydrates such as wholegrain rice are easier to digest than white, highly processed foods. They give you long term energy without affecting your blood sugar levels which can lead to irritable mood swings and cravings.

4. Stretch. Gentle stretching exercises, such as Pilates or yoga help you to relax and release muscular tension. Try this simple yoga breathing exercise and see how good you feel. Sit or stand comfortably and scrunch your face up like a dried prune. Open your eyes and look upwards, open your mouth, stretch out your tongue and roar like a lion. Repeat until you feel powerful, calm and in control.

As you can see, it is possible to shortcut your way from stressed to relaxed. All you have to do is regularly practice the four easy stress and relaxation techniques and see how relaxed and stress-free life can be.

Ntathu Allen, Hatha Yoga Teacher works with women who want a richer, more fulfilling life for themselves and their families. She inspires and supports you to take time-out from your busy schedule to release stress and nurture your mind body and soul. To find out more visit yogainspires.co.uk yogainspires.co.uk and receive your FREE Special Report - Ten Yoga Postures To Jump-Start Your Day when you sign up for Ntathu's Free weekly Yoga Newsletter on yogainspires.co.uk yogainspires.co.uk