5 Highly Effective Methods in Relieving Short-Term Stress

Stress is the physical, mental, or emotional factor that affects bodily or mental tension. In Australia, it is one of the leading causes of other health issues, as 13 per cent of the total population reported experiencing high levels of psychological distress in 2017.

In the year after, another study concluded that the adults in the country living in the more disadvantaged areas were more likely to report distress than those living comfortably. Therefore, as the numbers continue to balloon every year, it’s only fitting to explore ways to de-stress and promote a healthier mindset in battling every stressor. But which relaxation methods suit best against stress?

1. Meditation

Although it may seem hard to believe, meditation is one of the best stress relievers because it lowers blood pressure, improves respiration and helps in increasing metabolism. It also stabilises hormone levels and, at the same time, boosts the immune system. It is a simple practice of focusing on your breath, thoughts, or specific word of your choice. It can also fall as a kind of therapy to ease stress. 

2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation 

The progressive relaxation method helps you release tension in the body by engaging in muscle stretching. When you stretch your muscles, you will feel a sense of relaxation because it allows you to minimise stress. It also reduces the risk of injury and promotes better health overall. It encourages deep relaxation by using various muscle groups, making it ideal for new meditation or having never tried it before.

3. Focused Breathing

Focused breathing is also known as deep breathing. It involves taking slow and deep breaths with the same rhythm. The practise of deep breathing can help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, resulting in more oxygen. It is a great way to calm down after stressful activity, and it is also excellent for the heart. 

The breathing exercise is straightforward. You need to place one hand on your chest and take a breath. When you inhale, you will feel your chest expanding. When you exhale, your wardrobe will contract. Repeat this for about five seconds, and you will notice calmness after every breath. 

4. Yoga 

Yoga is a form of exercise from ancient India, originating from Hindu and Buddhist traditions. It is a series of stretching and breathing exercises that helps to relax the body and the mind. Yoga is a great way to relieve stress because it focuses on breathing and poses that help ease anxiety, calm down and unwind. 

5. Walking 

Going for a walk is an excellent way to de-stress and relax. It is a simple way to clear your mind and rejuvenate your body. With a walk, you can explore different sights, sounds, and smells, and it will help you get back in touch with nature. 

On average, walking is steady at 3 to 4 miles per hour. A brisk walk would be at 4 to 5 miles per hour. Research has concluded that walking for about half an hour can lower harmful cholesterol levels, improve your sleep, burn calories and help in reducing stress. 

Conclusion 

Integrate a few stress-relieving activities into your daily life to achieve excellent health and wellness. You should also work on staying positive, avoiding conflicts and surrounding yourself with happy people. 

Now that you have learned about the various relaxation methods that can help ease stress, you should consider any five ways you prefer. Like everything else, even stress relievers have pros and cons, so you should always consult a doctor before trying any methods.