Techniques for Mindfully Dealing with Stress

These are stressful times. And your awareness of your stress levels is key. The next step is taking action to reduce stress and move toward healthy living.

Sometimes inaction seems the easiest way of dealing with the stress of today’s world, but it might help to take the action of mindful stress relief to help your body continue to work at its best.

Stress Is Bad for Your Overall Health and Well Being

It’s important to understand that a stressed body is one with a compromised immune system. When you are stressed, your body has a hard time fighting antigens and becomes more susceptible to infections. There are multiple studies linking stress, immunity and disease.

So, the first step is recognizing your stress levels and working to reduce your overall stress.

Stress Reduction Idea - Take A Break

You don’t have to watch the news tonight. Take a break and watch something fun on Netflix or Disney+. It’s OK to give yourself permission to not pay attention for a few days.

The break also applies to work. Many of us have been working extra hours, especially if you are now working from home. Take a R&R day and do just fun things for you. Maybe try a new hobby, or just spend the day in your garden. The key is to not think about work. Close the computer and get some sun.

Music for Your Soul

Turn on the music. Listening to music helps to reduce stress according to a study by the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology. This does not mean that all music reduces stress, but the potential is clear. So, find some downtime, and turn on the classical or upbeat positive music for your soul.

Take a Bath

I often tell patients to take an epsom salt bath to help their muscles heal and relax. The bath also helps your mind relax and reduces anxiety. This is a great time to play that relaxing music, too.

Just Breathe

Mindful breathing, meditation therapy and yoga are amazing ways to reduce stress in your life. All of these techniques start with proper breathing. Studies have shown this kind of stress management can also help with pain and illness.

The key here is diaphragmatic breathing or abdominal breathing. It is the type of breaths your yoga instructor or music instructor tells you to take.

Here’s a diaphragmatic breathing exercise:

• Sit comfortably with good posture
• Place one hand on your chest and one on your stomach
• Slowly exhale through your mouth
• Slowly inhale through your nose and concentrate on keeping your chest still, but expanding your stomach.

Think of taking a big belly breath. For more relaxation, close your eyes and try to remove the everyday thoughts that keep you up at night. Your mind may wander, but being conscious of the wandering will help to bring you back to your relaxation.

As a bonus, this kind of breathing is great for your muscles and circulation.

Chiropractic Care and Stress Management

Combining stress management and chiropractic care fit naturally together in maintaining your overall health. Take the natural route in taking care of your body by keeping it aligned and de-stressed.

Photo by Radu Florin on Unsplash