2. Do something out of the ordinary - something not part of your usual routine. Doing anything that breaks you out of your habitual patterns can often relieve stress.
3. Give someone a hug. Of course, giving a hug means getting one, and as long as it's from somebody you don't mind hugging, this can immediately reduce your level of stress.
4. Nip any unwanted thoughts in the bud! Make the call that's on your mind, put things on a list so you can drop them, and generally let go of unimportant thoughts. Don't use your mind like a memo list. Practise this exercise, and it may become one of your favorite stress relief techniques.
5. Take a hot shower. This relaxes your muscles, and any break from more stressful activities can help too. Some find that an alternating hot and cold shower is even more relaxing, but be careful with this one if you have a weak heart.
6. Put on some relaxing music. Have your favorite relaxation CDs in the car, in the kitchen, in your office, or wherever you'll need them most.
7. Laugh at something. Experience shows that this helps you relax.
8. Take a walk. Walking is one of the best stress relief techniques if you have at least ten minutes.
9. Get out of the room you are in for a while. Sometimes the things in the room or related to the room are triggering your stressful thoughts. Try getting out for a little while. A change of scene is always good.
10. Have a cup of camomile tea. Camomile seems to have a calming effect on the nerves, although any hot tea without caffeine may help relieve stress.
Of course, it might be nice if you can change yourself, so you're naturally more relaxed all of the time. That may be possible, but the thought of the work involved can create more anxiety? Then you might have to take it slowly. Why not start with one or two of the fast and easy stress relief techniques above?
Overthinking can create anxiety and make you feel very stressed. If you're the sort of woman who lies awake at night wondering what problems the future holds or if you often have negative thoughts, then read Women Who Think Too Much  by Dr. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema. |
