Tips to Reduce Stress

Biofeedback Method to Reduce Stress
In this method electronic devices are used to monitor the activities of the body and the feedback about the different functions is given to the person. Based on the information the person can know what is happening in his body and he can adjust his activities and thinking and correct his signs and symptoms. Some of the popular bio feedback equipments that are available are

RespeRate - to monitor blood pressure
Muscle monitor - for head ache, back ache and neck ache
Freeze framer - for monitoring memory lapse and anxiety
Galvanic skin response or Electronic dermal activity - for relaxation in stress

Music

Listening to music especially in a serene place is always a mind soothing experience. It is the rhythm or the beat of the music that helps in relieving stress. If the person is very anxious due to stress he should listen to a slow rhythm cyclical song. If he is depressed and needs stimulation, he should listen to a fast rhythm song. Even in Bible, it is mentioned that David played harp to relieve the depression of King Saul. It is found that music can reduce pain during dental procedures. When proper sounds are experienced in the form of music, the two halves of the brain get synchronized. The changes that occur in the body while listening to music are

Increase in deep breathing
Increase in the blood levels of the chemical called serotonin which is a mood stabilizer.

The music should be a classical, pop or a folk song and not the hard rock or heavy metal type. Like wise singing a song also produces similar effects.

Positive Thinking

Pessimism adds to the ill effects of stress. One should always be optimistic. A person should think that he is capable enough to handle the situation. Every time he faces a stressful situation he should assess what the problem is and what is the solution for it. He should analyze whether it really merits as a stress causing problem.

Stress Reliever Balls and Games

Varieties of stress reliever balls are available which comes as round balls, colored balls and custom imprinted balls. Squeezing these balls diverts the mind from the source of stress and aids in relaxation of mind. Similarly various stress reliever games including online games like Bingo games takes the focus away from stress and helps in relaxation.

Alternative Medicine including Homeopathic Stress Relievers and Herbs

Alternative medicine are generally sought for the lack of their side effects.Herbs like Kava Kava, Chamomile, Valerian, St John's wort., Bach's Rescue remedy, passion flower are some of the well known herbal stress relievers.

In homeopathy, the principle of treatment is like cures like. Diluted small quantities of substances known to produce similar symptoms in normal persons are given for the treatment. Symptoms like digestive disorders, asthma, high blood pressure etc as manifestations o stress. Some of the homeopathic stress relievers are

Phosphorus
Picric acid
Ignatia
Arnica

Sex

Though stress itself causes a decrease in the sexual desire, indulging in active sex or mere physical hugging of the partner relaxes a person. In the movie Titanic one can see an old couple hugging each other on bed at the time of stress when the ship starts sinking. It has been found that penetrative sex is the better than oral sex or masturbation in relieving stress. During penetrative sex, there is secretion of a hormone called 'Oxytocin' in the body. This hormone has mind stabilizing effects.

Cartoons and Laughter inducing Jokes

Laughter is the best medicine. It is free of cost and has no side effects. It is found that laughter decreases the blood levels of cortisol, which is the stress hormone. Laughter activates the immune system. It also increases the blood levels of endorphins which have got mind soothing and pain relieving effects. It is found that even faking laughters produce similar effects. Also stress cartoons and jokes divert the person's attention and relieve stress.

Life Style Changes

Life style changes alone can offer stress relief in many instances. The changes to be done are

Develop a cordial atmosphere at home and at workplace
Socialize and develop good inter personal relationship
Avoid substances of abuse like alcohol
Avoid caffeine containing drinks like coffee and tea
Exercise regularly
Have high self esteem and a positive out look towards life

Though no single stress reliever offers a comprehensive relief from stress, a combination of different stress relievers does make a difference. The best option is to get registered under a genuine stress management program and get treated.

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