Stress Reduction Techniques

We all deal with stress in very different ways; for some it helps them to raise their game and achieve their best. However, for many others, stress can cause terrible problems and feelings of extreme anxiety at the very worst possible moments. Even if you fall into the first category and can manage stress well,  it is useful to be able to apply simple stress reduction techniques for those times when you do feel a bit overwhelmed.

By releasing such chemicals as cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream, the instinctive feeling of whether to "fight" or take "flight" is experienced during instances of stress.

The stress reaction is not a problem if the situation can be brought under control. Often this is not possible however. Increased heart rate and sweating happens, which in itself creates additional stress. With sugars also flooding the blood, if ignored, the situation continues to worsen.

Applying stress reduction techniques at the very first sign of such an event can head the feelings off. Being able to recognize the situations most likely to trigger this reaction is a first step. There are several stress reduction techniques available if self help techniques fail to work. However, before trying any of them, it is highly advisable to seek professional medical guidance.

At the first sign of stress, it is important to try and relax as much as possible. The natural reaction causes muscles to tense - particularly in the neck and back areas. A good method to help us relax is with deep and controlled breathing. By inhaling, holding the breath in and exhaling steadily, oxygen levels in the blood are increased, which helps us to calm down. The process should be repeated until a sense of calm and control returns.

The number of products that can help with stress reduction techniques is surprising. Many are also quite expensive, and may only have mixed results. Indeed, along with breathing control, a method that works quite well is to simply take some exercise and get some fresh air.

One thing that should definitely be avoided is nicotine. For a significant number of people, they immediately resort to cigarettes in times of stress. This is the worst thing to do. Nicotine simply causes the body to react by producing further amounts of adrenaline, and pumping more sugars into the blood. Thus, the symptoms worsen. This is also the case with caffeine. So if stressed, do not head to the local coffee shop either!


How to reduce Office Stress.