Learn How To Manage Your Stress Before It Kills You!

Exercise To Vent

Simple Acupressure

The East has been using Acupressure for many thousands of years. This is a very easy technique and requires no experience on your part. There are two neurovascular points on the forehead just above the brow that you can rub in a rotary motion for relief from stress. It works by bringing blood back into the forebrain area. This lack of blood is created by stress and the response to something called fight or flight. In the fight or flight mode, our body begins to restrict blood vessels at the surface of the skin when we get ready to run from or fight our enemy.

The blood pulling away from the forebrain tends to cloud our focus. It allows us to concentrate on our survival instincts. Relief is obtained using the index finger and the thumb, applying just enough pressure to these two points in a rotary fashion to get relief. Rub for 60 seconds at a time.

There are also the K27 acupressure points. When activated, they are supposed to provide you with more energy and clearer thinking. To activate, use your left index finger to press and rotate in a circular motion the right K27 point. Rub in a small circle for 30 seconds while your other hand is flat over your navel. This helps to keep the energy flowing at its most effective level. Repeat with the other side and repeat as often as you need to wash the stress away.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

This is an excellent exercise to do just before bed or just after getting up in the morning. It can be used anytime you are sitting down or lying down.

	First you will start with the top of your head. Wrinkle your brow, scrunch up your nose, and clench your teeth. Hold that tension for 5-7 seconds and release.
	Next, let’s move down to the neck and shoulders. TENSE for 5-7 seconds and RELEASE.
	Then, TENSE up the arms, forearms and hands. Hold for 5-7 seconds and RELEASE
	Now, let’s work on the stomach and chest. SQUEEZE for 5-7 seconds and RELEASE
	Finally, we get to the muscles in the legs. The quads, hamstrings, calves, and feet. Tense them for 5-7 seconds and RELEASE

Martial Arts

Martial Arts such as Tai Chi and Chi Gong are excellent for reducing stress and strengthening your mind and body. They are a type of meditation that uses motion and controlled breathing to clear your mind. In addition to managing stress, you can also learn how to defend yourself or your loved ones if ever need be. That confidence alone can make a big difference in how you respond to stressful situations.

Walking

Walking can be an excellent stress buster. It gives you time to let off steam and clear your mind. Try to let go of your frustrations when you walk. This time is all about you! Try to concentrate on the world around you instead of focusing on the problem. Stop and take time to smell the roses, if you will. You can get the benefits from walking in a relatively short period of time, so it will hardly interrupt your day.

Physical Activity

Hitting a punching bag is another great way to relieve your frustrations and expend some anxious energy. If it is a person that is responsible for your frustrations, you can tape a picture of their face onto your punching bag. Just don't leave it up for obvious reasons.

I workout with weights 3-4 times a week for 30-45 minutes, I like to channel my anger and aggression into that workout. I think about anything that made me upset and I channel that aggression into my lifts.

Say for instance, that I am doing a rep on the bench press, as I am letting the weight lower to my chest, I think about anything that really pissed me off. I use that rage to push the weight back up and I get two things done at once: First, I get the weight up; and second, I let out the aggressive feelings that I had. I feel much more peaceful. By far, this is my favorite stress busting exercise to do!!!

Hug Somebody

If you know anybody that wouldn’t mind you hugging them, than this is a great feeling of reassurance. It makes you feel secure and safe. The world can get pretty lonely sometimes and it helps to have a little human contact. If you aren’t a touchy/feely kind of person, then it may help to at least talk to someone. A friend, pastor, professor or anybody else you can confide in.

Massage

Massage is excellent for repairing the body as well as the mind. Many people get massages throughout the year. They usually take from 30 minutes to an hour. It depends on how much time you have and how much money you want to spend. If you have never had one, you don’t know what you are missing. Call your local masseuse and make an appointment today.

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