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OUR EXPERTS...
I am currently dealing with work and personal stress that is making me
feel anxious, irritable and teary. What can I do to help reduce my stress
and feel better?
By Stacey Kardash of Triskele Wellness Clinic
Stress is our physiological, psychological and behavioural responses to
events that we perceive as challenging or threatening. Though not all stress
is negative, it is undeniable that stress can have serious emotional and
physical consequences. So what can be done to keep stress from skyrocketing?
Try these five tension-taming tips:
1) Breathe - This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to
decrease stress as our respiration rate increases when we are stressed.
Remember to breath slowly and deeply.
2) Unwind with Your Mind - A key to reducing stress is to
change your perception. We often respond to events and situations from a
place of fear, negativity and doubt. It may be helpful to remember fear as
an acronym: False Events Appearing Real. Reconditioning ourselves to think
positively can dramatically reduce stress levels.
3) Take a Virtual Vacation - Visualization is a powerful
stress reduction technique. Studies with athletes have proven that the body
responds exactly the same way in both visualization and participation of
their sport. Harness this power and recreate a relaxation response in your
body. Imagine yourself in your favorite vacation spot and create as many
details as you can. Engage all of your senses and feel yourself relax just
as if you were there.
4) Use the “Write” Stuff - Did you know journaling is more
therapeutic than talking about your stress? Expressing your thoughts and
emotions on paper discharges stress and can provide you with valuable
insight to your own thought and behavior patterns. Allow yourself complete
freedom when journaling; don’t edit yourself, use colored pens, draw and
write in the margins. Have fun!
5) Tune In - Healing with sound is one of the most
transformational and often overlooked ways to reduce stress. Since ancient
times, music has had the power to uplift our spirits quickly and easily.
Singing, chanting and toning are also simple but effective ways to create
mood change. Have your favorite “feel-good” music available at home, work
and in your car to listen and sing along to. Just “tune” out your stress!
Employing these small steps to reprogram your response to stress will result
in long-term behavior change.
For more advice on de-stressing, contact Stacey Kardash at Triskele
Wellness Clinic. Call 403.240.7100 or email
triskelewellness@gmail.com
www.triskelewellness.com
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