Letting Go of Stress is Just A Few Breaths Away

Studies have shown that people who practice some form of relaxation regularly are better able to cope with change and are more resistant to illness. There are many ways to accomplish this.  One of the easiest ways is simple deep breathing, which causes a physiological response in the body that helps us to relax.  Deep breathing also promotes increased concentration and improved immunity among other things.  The following breathing technique can be practiced throughout the day to help calm and re-energize you.  Try this the next time you feel stressed:

Find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted for a few moments.  The "restroom" often makes a great little sanctuary to take a short respite from the demands of children or a busy work environment.  Begin by closing your eyes and focusing your attention on your breath.  As you breathe in, slowly count to four.  Hold your breath to the count of four, and then exhale to a count or four.  Do this several times until your breathing becomes more regular and even, and until your body feels more relaxed.  Most people find that their minds start to wander away from their breathing especially in the beginning.  This is normal, and when it happens, all you have to do is refocus your attention on your breathing.  Most importantly, donąt judge yourself, as this will only cause you more stress.  The more that you practice this technique, the faster your body will respond by relaxing and letting go of tension.

Looking at the stress in our lives from a holistic perspective allows us to address it on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels.  Thus, we can develop more effective coping skills.  For instance, diet, exercise, relationships, balance of work and play and sleeping patterns can all influence our coping abilities.  It is important to keep in mind that it is not so much the stressors in our lives, but how we see them that determine how much we are at their mercy. If we can change the way we see, we can change the way we respond.  

Beatrice Fulciniti, M.Ed., PhD
Deborah White, RN MS HNC
http://www.askbeaanddeb.com