How to Relieve Stress And Anxiety – 7 Ways by Deepak Chopra
Stress is such a deadly word these days.
People get stressed due to various reasons – aggressive deadlines at work, a demanding spouse, taking care of children and so on.
But how do they deal with stress? After a long day at work, most people go out with friends and have some drinks.
The introvert, however, watches a documentary about how black holes created our universe and reads staggering accounts of Hitler pioneering an entire nation despite his barbaric policies.
Many people numb stress with alcohol, cigarettes, and sex. But before you feel guilty about your own coping mechanism, let’s learn how to relieve stress and anxiety and unlock the key to joy and tranquility.
1. Eat healthy
Think of your body as a highly sophisticated vehicle that is meant to get you through life. Will you ever put low-grade gas in your car? Then, why would you do the same with your body?
Have some respect for your body and only eat nourishing foods. In return, it will reward you with long reservoirs of energy and light beaming out of your eyes. Deepak says you can also have chocolate too as it releases dopamine and serotonin, which make you happy.
How to relieve stress and anxiety: Eat nourishing, green foods and avoid processed, junk foods.
2. Sleep well
A healthy sleep is essential to functioning well during the day. Sleep restores your brain by repairing and reorganizing our memory and learning.
The best way to sleep is to make your room completely dark, and switch off your TV or computer a couple hours before, as they interfere with secretion of sleep hormones.
How to relieve stress and anxiety: Be active during the day for a healthy sleep at night.
3. Just Breathe
This is extremely simple yet highly effective. All you have to do is sit back and breathe deeply. Inhale deeply for four counts, hold it in for a moment, and then exhale for six counts.
This exercise, also known as box breathing, is very helpful for diffusing stress and feeling centered in your body.
How to relieve stress and anxiety: Breathe deeply.
Balance Inspirational Video:
4. Pause to Express Gratitude
When we get stressed, we get stuck in negative emotions and thought patterns. The way out is to focus your attention on the good.
Think about a few things that you’re really grateful for. This may include your family, pets, freedom, music, coffee and creativity. Anything works as long as it matters to you. Being grateful will expand your heart and fuel you with energy.
As Tony Robbins says, you can’t be grateful and fearful at the same time. Gratitude is a powerful antidote to fear, anxiety, and stress.
How to relieve stress and anxiety: Thank the universe for all you’ve got.
5. Have A Relaxation Routine
Stress-management is not rocket science. What you feed your mind dictates the quality of your life. So if you’re always listening to some depressing news on television or fighting with your family every day, stress is going to come naturally.
Therefore, it’s essential to have a relaxation routine that can help you wind down and be mellow.
Some good ways to wind down are –
- Watching comedy shows
- Massage
- Running
- Walking
- Yoga
- A relaxing bath
- Reading your favorite book
- Listening to your favorite music
How to relieve stress and anxiety: Make time to relax every day.
6. Spend Quality Time With Your Loved Ones
Psychologists say that social support is one of the biggest comforts for people in life. Everyone wants to feel the part of a bigger whole.
When you talk and laugh with your loved ones, it opens your heart and nurtures your spirit. It strengthens your mind and prepares you to take on life with full confidence. When you know that your friends and family have got your back, it makes you happy and resilient.
But always choose your circle carefully. Don’t spend your time with people who drain your energy. Become aware of the people who lift your energy and make you feel alive. Give them your time and loyalty.
How to relieve stress and anxiety: Talk and laugh with your family and friends.
7. Ground Yourself Every day
You can ground yourself to feel stable and centered within yourself. Grounding doesn’t mean avoiding the electric shock. What we refer to here is called spiritual grounding.
Although there are many ways to ground yourself, Chopra recommends walking barefoot on the natural surfaces of earth. The earth has a healing energy within itself and when you touch your feet on its surface, you can access it.
How to relieve stress and anxiety: Walk barefoot on grass or natural earth surface.
Don’t let stress rule your life. It can become depression and suck the energy out of you. But it’s upto you to control it.
Remember, you are the creator.