The kids are screaming; the lights are red; you’re running late or the cash point swallows your card. The following alternative therapies can all offer on the spot stress relief when other options aren’t available:

• Hand reflexology: Reflexologists believe that massaging key points in your hand can ease stress and tension. Try pinching the area between your thumb and forefinger about two centimetres into the palm to combat stress. This point is thought to correlate to the adrenal glands, responsible for releasing stress hormones into the body. Pinch the point firmly for three seconds and repeat three times or massage the area with circular movements.
• Breathe deeply: Breathing deeply is an instant tranquilliser reducing stress and releasing tension in your chest and neck. Breathe through your nose, inhale gently, then exhale slowly and feel the tension melt away from your shoulders and face.
• Look around: Direct your attention outside yourself to the sounds around you. Becoming aware of your peripheral vision helps you access a more open, state of mind. If you’ve been staring for hours at a computer screen this stresses your eyes and creates anxiety. The more relaxed your vision the more refreshed you’ll feel; so to instantly relax, unfocus your eyes and look around noticing what is around you as well as what is in front of you.
• Go green: Connecting with nature can help restore balance in your body, mind and spirit. There may not always be time for a walk in the park but you can spend a few moments gazing at a plant or a flower, in or outdoor. Study the plant in detail and develop a feeling of appreciation for nature and for your life.
• Drink tea: Make your own relaxation tea using chamomile, lime flower, linden flower, passion flower and lemon balm. The volatile essential oils in these plants can induce feelings of calmness.
• Yoga: Studies have shown that yoga positions can help ease stress and this spinal roll will help relax you, wherever you are. Lean forward, holding the elbow of your opposite arm with each hand and stay there for a minute or so. You’ll notice your breathing becomes deeper and tension is released across your shoulders and neck. Slowly roll your neck spine back to vertical then try it again; the rolling action really invigorates the spine and helps wash away tension.

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 1st, 2007 at 2:20 am and is filed under Alternative therapies, Stress. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.