When the stress and strain of daily life start to take their toll on our bodies and minds we need to take immediate steps to reduce the tension and return ourselves to a healthy equilibrium. If you want to relieve stress don’t be tempted to take a pill, there are plenty of natural stress reducing techniques that you can incorporate into your daily life that will help you unknot the twisted rope. Not everyone has the time or money to take a vacation in Puerto Rico or visit a fancy spa but you can relive stress and improve your well being at home or outdoors and make relaxation a part of your daily life.

Stress management should be something you practice each and every day. Not only will it make you feel better but it will improve your body’s immunity, protect you against the ravages of increased adrenaline and other stress hormones on your health and help stave off depression and anxiety as well.

relieve stress the natural way will cost you nothing and if you can stick with improved lifestyle choices you will be well prepared for those unavoidable stressful times like an upcoming wedding, new baby or even moving house.

Natural Stress Relaxation Techniques are easy to implement and include deep breathing, stretching, dietary changes, meditation and reflection. They may also incorporate vigorous exercise, dancercise or gentler forms of exercise like Hatha yoga. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Deep Breathing Exercise to Relieve Stress

* Take a moment to focus your mind on what you are about to do i.e. total relaxation should be the goal, keep this in mind as you start the exercise.

* Lie down on the floor or bed in a quiet environment and slowly close your eyes.

* Inhale deeply through your nose and let the air flow into the area under your breastbone.

* Visualize your body being infused with peace and calm as you inhale.

* As you exhale picture all your stress and tension flowing out and away from your body and dissipating into the air.,

* Allow several minutes for your mind to clear and focus on letting air fill your body again.

* Repeat the exercise until your breathing is regular, slow and relaxed.

Stretching Exercise to Relieve Stress

If you are very tense you are probably aware that your body is extremely rigid and that your muscles are clenched. You may feel achy, experience headaches and even your jaw and teeth may feel painful. When you feel these feelings start to intensify take immediate action by stretching.

Stretching exercises can take many forms such as yoga postures. A useful exercise to rid yourself of excess tension is the ‘child’s pose’:

* Sit on your feet and bend forward, stretching your spine.

* Now bring your forehead as close to the floor as you can.

* Lay both arms at your sides and close your eyes.

* Breathe deeply for as long as it takes for you to feel calm and refreshed.

Eating To Relieve Stress

If you are very stressed out your adrenalin levels are probably in overdrive and your blood glucose very low. This can make you feel restless and tired at the same time and contribute to that jumpy, jittery feeling you have. Snacks and drinks that contain sugar and caffeine will only make this worse so try to avoid them if you can. You probably will have food cravings but it is a good idea to replace uhealthy foods with stress relieving options like:

* Rice, pasta and plenty of protein foods that help the body feel calmer.

* Fresh fruits and vegetables.

* Don’t forget to drink eight glasses of water each day.

Taking Time Out – Meditative Walking

Psychological stress will eventually leave you feeling strung out and moody. You may have trouble sleeping or sleep well but wake up feeling sluggish and exhausted. Taking time out for yourself in a different environment will relieve stress, help you get through the day and give you something pleasant to look forward to. It is also good exercise for the heart, lungs and legs.

* Take a ten or fifteen minute walk in a peaceful, preferably natural, environment. Try your local park or your own garden or head to the beach. As you walk try to let go of the stress and tension. You may choose to repeat a phrase like ‘peace’ or ‘calm’ or even ‘free’ as you go along consciously letting go of the mental clutter.

* Avoid thinking about your problems, and focus on your surroundings instead taking in the sky, the plants and trees or the sound of the waves crashing on the beach.

There is no doubt that stress affects us all. Life today demands an uncommon kind of focus and pre-preparedness that can drain us of our energy and leave us feeling uninspired and lackluster. In days gone by people didn’t rush about as we do today, they made time in the evenings for relaxation and reflection and we need it too.

Take time each and every day to relieve stress with these natural techniques and the way you experience the world could change. Remember stress impacts on your health and can even determine how long you live so take immediate steps to relieve your stress and live longer, feel happier and smile more often!