Stress Relief for Dummies

While there are many relaxation techniques that claim to reduce the stress of the frustrating pressures you face at work or in life, most only touch the surface. The secret is to not only treat the symptoms of stress but to eliminate the cause.nnThere are some great stress relaxation techniques that are easy to learn and simple to use that will help you to get rid of what causes stress in your life. nnHere's a good question for you: How do you know if you're really happy? nnIs happiness something that you choose or is it a destination nyou're waiting to arrive at? If it is something that can only nhappen when you achieve a particular goal then you're making nyour life harder than it needs to be.nnWhile I've spent years studying relaxation techniques, reading stress management articles and undertaking stress management activities to learn how to eliminate the causes of stress it really boils down to a two step process that anyone can follow.nnNatural Stress Relief Made EasynnBefore you can eliminate the cause of stress you must first of all manage your daily stressors. Your body and feelings are the first place to check-in with to achieve this. nnThe moment any excess pressure happens in your life your bodynwill almost tense up, your breathing will be shallower and you become more emotionally reactive.nnHere are 3 simple secrets to counteract these symptoms and gain strong stress management skills.nn1 - Acknowledge what you ARE feeling! nnBy recognizing what you are feeling and allowing it to be there without judgment is the first step to letting it go. If you're feeling frustrated, upset, angry or hurt then just say to yourself, "I'm OK, I'm just feeling frustrated, etc".nn2- Breathe! nnTake several slow, deep breaths right down into your belly if you can, the slower the better. This helps to clear your mind and relax your body. Imagine with each breath out that you are releasing tension from your body. Sometimes just doing simple activity is enough to feel calmer and more in control.nn3- Choose your response. nnStressful situations often cause us to say or do things we later regret. By doing part 1 and 2 you'll have more control over what you say and how you act no matter what circumstance you are in. nnAll the stress management tips in the world are useless if you don't apply them. The fact is that everyone has stressful events happen in their life which they don't have control over. The secret is in how you handle themnnTo Your Great Life and Health,n