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This happens in your body when you become stressed:

Heart rate goes up
Muscles become tense
Breathing increases
Immune system is lowered
Chemicals, such as adrenalin start pumping
 
In order to save energy the body shuts down functions such as:
Reproduction
Metabolism
Sleep
Empathy
Happiness
Memory
Source: stress = radsla, Jorgen Lerjestad, Ekerlids Forlag
 

Stress isn’t necessarily harmful. We all need goals and challenges. However, too much stress can be damaging and affect our physical health in several ways. It's important to act to relieve damaging stress before it affects your physical or mental health and the secret is to look after yourself.
 

Easy ways to relax and feel happier 

Clear clutter from your house (or desk for that matter) and let new and flowing energy into your life. It is very difficult to relax while living in and around clutter. 
 

Create a relaxed atmosphere in your bedroom. This should be a place where you can sit back and relax with a good book, a cup of tea or whatever feels good for you. 
 

Smile and laugh more. Laughter releases tension and keeps negative thoughts away. Rent a funny movie or visit a joke web site. Whatever makes you laugh. 


Take a few minutes to sit down and listen to soothing music, or read a book.
 

Get active. Physical activity helps relieve your tense muscles and your mood. Your body makes certain chemicals, called endorphins, before and after you work out, which relieve stress and improve your mood.
 

Keep fresh flowers in your bedroom. Seeing colourful flowers first thing when you wake up is both uplifting and relaxing.


Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.


Sit in silence and meditate for at least 10 minutes every day. Or do yoga. If you don't want to join a yoga class, then purchase a yoga video. Make time to do at least 15 minutes of yoga most days. This will help stretch and relax your muscles


Take a warm bubble bath with candles and soft music. If you don't want music, you can always take a book or magazine with you. Or just lean back and enjoy.
 

Find a hobby. Hobbies help you stay ‘in the moment’ and can provide a nice distraction from stress. Why not start painting, write a novel or learn a new language.


Take care of your body. Taking care of your body on the outside with, for example a spa treatment can work wonders for your mood. Don’t overlook the importance of pampering yourself on a regular basis, to feel great about yourself and regain energy. Go to a day spa or have your own spa day at home, with a face mask, hair mask, manicure or pedicure, for example.


Make sleep a priority. Sleep is very important for your emotional and physical wellbeing. Lack of sleep can negatively impact your ability to handle stress, be productive, and function properly. With enough sleep, you can tackle your problems better and lower your risk for illness. 
 


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2010-02-23 @ 11:36:22