Thursday, May 15, 2014

Relaxation: A Guide to Stress Relief

A recent study by The American Institute of Stress, shows the annual cost to employers in stress related health care and missed work to be an astounding $300 billion. Based on this statistic, it’s easy to see stress is not something to be taken lightly. Stress in the workplace leads to lower productivity rates and other severe, long-term consequences, if it is not properly addressed. In our society, “workaholics” are revered; and the harder they work, the more successful they will be. This is all well and good, but taking some time for relaxation has many benefits to productivity that will help even the most meticulous workaholic.

Why Mental Health Matters at Work
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5 Everyday Stress Relievers 

Luckily, there are some simple tricks to de-stressing that will seem more like fun rather than a mental health treatment. De-stressing is important to overall mental health, as well as physical health, because it allows you to think more clearly, be more productive, and puts you in a better mood. Here are the 5 things you can do everyday to melt the stress away:

Take a Walk 

Walking, even for a few minutes, will give you time to unwind after a long day at the office. This gives you the opportunity to clear your head, get those endorphins flowing, and take in some sunshine. You can do this alone, or with the company of others, but either way, it’s important to get out and walk!

Breathe 

Practicing deep, controlled breathing is essential to de-stressing. Those deep breaths circulate oxygen through the bloodstream, directly to your muscles. The new oxygen coursing through your body will help clear your mind and put your body at ease.

Rock Out 

Turn on the jams and let loose. Nothing feels better than hearing your favorite tune and dancing in front of the mirror. You make look silly, but you’ll feel better, that’s for sure.

Laugh 

Laughing immediately puts you in a better mood and is quite contagious. Once you start laughing, you won’t be able to stop. So, put on your favorite sitcom, watch a funny movie, or read a good joke. It doesn’t matter how you get yourself to laugh, as long as you do.

Enjoy the Moment 

Take a minute and be 100% in the moment. Clear your mind; don’t think about what you’re going to make for dinner, or what you need to do tonight. Just take the time to look at your surroundings and take in that exact moment. This gives you a newfound perspective and will have you feeling better in no time.

These five things you can do everyday with minimal effort. Take as much, or as little, time as you’d like, but be sure to de-stress, unwind, and you’ll be seeing the benefits in no time.

 

A Hammock Is Your Best Friend 

Hammocks have excellent health benefits, both physically and mentally. Lying in a hammock cradles your body and takes much of the physical stress off of your muscles and bones. You can also dedicate this time to nap, daydream, or read a book, which all helps relieve stress as well.

Swaying in a hammock provides a calming sensation that will dissolve any level of stress in minutes. Plus, hammocks are normally set up outside in direct sunlight. Soaking up the natural vitamin D will improve your mood, as well. The act of lying in a hammock aligns your back and takes pressure off of your spine.

Most hammocks are big enough for two, so you can share the space with a loved one. This personal connection is also beneficial to your overall mental health. Being close to another person provides a sense of belonging and puts your mind at ease.

Overall, hammocks provide a multitude of health benefits and are extremely comfortable, as well! Hammocks are versatile, so they can be hung inside or outside to provide you with the most relaxing experience possible.















Fret No More 

With these new tips now in your mental health toolbox, you’re ready to take on any stressful situation. The five stress relievers mentioned above can be applied at work, at home, or in almost any environment. As long as you take some time to focus on yourself, stress will become surprisingly manageable. Now get out there, enjoy some sunshine, lie in a hammock, read a good book, and don’t forget, stress doesn’t control you; you control it.

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