Stress is one of those things that unfortunately we all experience.\u00a0 Work, family and friends can all be sources of anxiety and often there is very little we can do to control it.\u00a0 However we do have power over how we react to stressful situations, and doing so in a positive manner can actually be essential to your health.<\/p>\n
Stress has been linked to a multitude of health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, a weakened immune system, ulcers and depression. It has also been implicated as a possible factor in many cancers and other serious illnesses.<\/p>\n
So while we can\u2019t always remove the causes of stress from our lives, there are some easy ways to deal with the resulting urges to tear you hair out.\u00a0 And the best part is, the seven we have listed here all cost nothing!<\/p>\n
Turn Off<\/strong> Have a Hobby<\/strong> Laugh<\/strong> Cry<\/strong> Breathe<\/strong> Exercise<\/strong> Talk<\/strong> Stress is one of those things that unfortunately we all experience.\u00a0 Work, family and friends can all be sources of anxiety and often there is very little we can do to control it.\u00a0 However we do have power over how we react to stressful situations, and doing so in a positive manner can actually be […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1060,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n
\n Take some time every day to turn off the mobile, blackberry, laptop and any other devices you can be reached by.\u00a0 Try to last an hour without them as well as the television, radio and newspapers.\u00a0 Cutting yourself off from the world, even for a short time, will help you gather your thoughts and compose yourself.\u00a0 With no distractions you may even be forced to relax.<\/p>\n
\n Simple activities like cooking, painting or gardening can give you something stress-free to concentrate on every day.\u00a0 Physical movement is important for relieving stress, even if it isn\u2019t strenuous.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
\n Many studies have shown that laughter really can be the best medicine.\u00a0 Even forcing yourself to laugh or smile can lift your mood so watch a funny film (or youtube clip if you\u2019re in work) or call up an old friend who you know will rouse a chuckle.<\/p>\n
\n If you really feel more like crying than laughing, do.\u00a0 Obviously weeping uncontrollably at your desk may not be an option, but if you can get a quiet moment crying is actually very therapeutic.\u00a0 Tension builds up in our chest muscles when we are deeply upset or angry and crying opens up the diaphragm to release this.\u00a0 It also increases oxygen flow and releases chemicals that promote relaxation.<\/p>\n
\n And concentrate on it.\u00a0 Breathing is something we do without noticing, which can mean we don\u2019t always do it in the most efficient of ways.\u00a0 If stress is building, take just one minute to breathe slowly and deeply and concentrate on it as hard as you can.\u00a0 This will relax you and push all other thoughts from your mind for awhile.\u00a0 Try yoga or other similar relaxation techniques if you have a little more time.<\/p>\n
\n This is the best way you can fight stress and boost energy levels.\u00a0 If you come home at the end of the day harbouring a lot of pent up anger, go for a run.\u00a0 A short burst of giving it all you\u2019ve got will release a lot of the tension you are holding.\u00a0 Otherwise, take up a sport like kickboxing to help you vent.<\/p>\n
\nStress can leave you feeling like there are a hundred thoughts running around your head at once.\u00a0 The only way to get them out of there is to express them.\u00a0 Find a ranting partner in the form of a friend, family member or better half and allow yourselves time in the evenings to share the day\u2019s major events and minor irritations.\u00a0 You may find yourself laughing about incidents that had you furious earlier on.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"