We live in what can be stressful times, even in this beautiful county of Cornwall where people come for their relaxing holiday. The brain responds to signals of stress by using the bodies natural ‘flight or fight’ response i.e. do I stay and fight the danger/source of stress or run from it. The body prepares for ‘fight or flight’ by what is known as the stress response by shunting blood to the muscles to prepare them for action and providing the body more fuel through releasing glucose from stores which gives you get an adrenalin kick. Although this is designed to prepare us for a short term stressful moment it can be both wearing and detrimental to our health when we experience it over longer periods of time due to life circumstances.
The good news is that you can take control of how your body responds to stress and below are some stress relief tips for you to use on yourself. These can be done any time, anywhere, and are a great way to combat stress, re-energise or bring yourself out of a negative mood. Don’t worry about trying to achieve all the steps, move on to the next one when you feel ready. Each step will deepen your relaxation.
1. Breathe slowly, deeply and evenly from your stomach. Be aware the speed, the depth of each breath and the length of the pause between breaths.
2. With every exhale, say a word to yourself that represents the way you want to feel. For example, say “calm” or “relaxed“.
3. As you breath, become aware of the sensations in different parts of your body, perhaps starting with your feet and moving up e.g. how does one arm feel in comparison to the other?
4. Recall a relaxing memory from your past. Vividly re-experience it, remembering the sights, sounds and smells around you. Enjoy reliving the relaxing feeling.
Practise this for three to five minutes a couple of times a week, and enjoy the benefits it can bring you.
If you are worried about the levels of stress you feel, give me a call as Cognitive Hypnotherapy can be extremely powerful in overcoming stress. I can also show you how you can take control of your emotions, preventing them hijacking you.
