Relaxation Techniques to Combat Stress

There are lifestyle changes that you can make in order to reduce your stress and promote relaxation in your life:

1) Get regular massages:

2) Hang up your phone: When you leave the office you need to be able to switch off from work - and that includes your phone! This is important to do as once your work colleagues get into the habit of being able to contact you at all hours they will. Remember, the phone is there for your convenience, not just the caller's.

3) Compile some chill out tunes: Put together or buy a CD of relaxing music to ease your mind and help you switch off from the outside world. Research has shown that even from the womb relaxing/classical music can be beneficial in promoting well-being.

4) Read a good book: Emily Dickinson wrote, " There is not frigate like a book to take us lands away," which is a great way to sum up the way in which reading a good book can help you to get your mind off your worries - if only for a while.

5) Practice yoga: Yoga is a great way to escape from everything going on around by taking you into your own little world.

6) Drink herbal teas: Herbals teas such as peppermint and chamomile make better options than caffeine-infused drinks such as tea and coffee. The key to helping you to adapt your choice is to try different types until you find flavors which suit you taste buds.

7) Eat Right: Simple steps such as cutting down on caffeine, alcohol and food high in fat or calories can produce beneficial effects such as helping you to feel healthier and less highly strung out or irritable.

8) Work Out: Exercise helps your body to achieve its full use of strength.

9) Breathe: Take a deep breath and count to ten. Whilst this is a good start, you should aim to set aside time to sit down relax and focus on your breathing to the point that it slows down and feel more in control.

10) Get back to basics: Escape the hustle and bustle of your everyday stresses and strains by getting out to the countryside or a place close to nature. This can often provide the space you need to clear your mind, find focus and perhaps inspiration.

By: Melita Miller: a conscious-living enthusiast who contributes to various websites including self development website SelfHelpHub which provides tips, tools and resources (some free) to help you achieve success and well-being.