How to Reduce Your Stress in Stages

          Aware                     

You become AWARE that you have stress and that it might be a good idea to lower it.

2

  

Why

 You determine WHY you want to lower your stress.

3

 

How

You figure out HOW you are going to lower your stress.

Breathe- Take a deep breath. Draw the oxygen into your belly. 

Relax- Tense all muscles for 7 seconds. Slowly relax each muscle, one at a time.

Take Inventory- Identify areas of tension in your body. Start with scalp, moving down.

Stretch- Unleash pent up stress by stretching your muscles out.

Listen- Research shows blood pressure lowers when people listen rather than talk.

Focus- Try to maintain sustained attention on only one thing at a time

Meditate- Find a quite space, a comfortable position and keep a passive attitude.

Visualize- Just imagine yourself relaxing deeply in whatever scene you choose.

Deep Relaxation- Simply count backwards from ten, very slowly.

4

Vigorous Exercise- Afterwards, you are less likely to be startled or lose your temper

Action

You take ACTION and begin to exercise, mediate or do yoga.

5

 

            Transform

You TRANSFORM your goal into a habit, understanding that you’ll experience a few set-backs along the way.

Source: Stop Stress This Minute, 2012 Wellness Council of America; www.welcoa.org