Many people want to know how to decrease the amount of stress in their life! My only suggestion is quit your job and run to the hills! Yes, I know easier said then done! I can give you 5 easy steps you can implement throughout your week to help you manage the current stressors in your life.
Take time out
Within today’s society we are often working long hours and spending most of our time pleasing others or doing things for others. Once a week or once a month take time out on your own or with a friend or partner to do something you enjoy. E.g. reading a book, a hot bath, a game of golf, lazy afternoon in the hammock reading the paper, a massage or beauty treatment (no waxing!) This timeout however long will help you recharge those batteries and any stress you thought was major, may now seem quite insignificant.
Listen to Music
As the old saying goes “music soothes the savage beast”. Try ‘relaxation’ music if you want to truly relax. Or choose your favourite style or band and turn it up loud when cleaning the house or having a shower/bath. Maybe you are one of those ‘closet’ singers – let you hair down when no one is around. Music allows you to escape the daily grind and most times music you enjoy, makes you feel better and of course this assists in decreasing those stress levels. “Classical” music is great for stimulating the brain, whilst ‘relaxation’ music helps to decrease stress.
Relaxation/Meditation
Relaxation/Meditation – Yes very hippy like, but honestly it works. Whether it is attending a Yoga or Pilates class. After 1hr you feel so much more relaxed and or course less stressed. Stretching helps relax your muscles and subsequently you. Why not try Meditation, some Yoga classes offer 15min meditation after the class or alternatively you may wish to attend a workshop that shows you many different ways to meditate. Meditation helps clear you mind and prepares you mentally to manage your stress.
Participate in Exercise &/or Physical Activity
Yes the dreaded word! Everyone knows that exercise helps decrease stress by reducing cortisol (a stress hormone) and increase the good happy chemicals endorphins, which are responsible for making you feel happy. And when you feel happy and less stressed, you are more productive!
Make sure you exercise at least 3 times a week.
To encourage yourself to exercise wear a pedometer and see how many steps you can record each week and make a competition of it, and offer yourself a reward for reaching your goal.
Join a sports team (if that is something that entices you). There are heaps of sporting competitions and local community fundraisers that involve exercise (fun runs, bike rides etc).
Alternatively you could join us at Merendi Health & Wellness with many classes to choose from, we are sure to have something that suits you needs.
Have Fun!
This is the most important of all to decreasing your stress levels. To reduce stress, why not be social. Whether it is meeting friends at a local café, hosting a BBQ or picnic, or taking the kids to the park or beach. It does not have to be too flash or organised. And remember not to work too much, especially if you run your own business. This is often the reason a lot of people suffer from high stress, as they don’t spend enough time enjoying life, as they should!
Final word, if you or someone you know is starting to show real signs of stress, for e.g. increased lethargy, regular days off due to sickness or stress, increased occurrences of illness or reducing social interaction, it might be worthwhile to call our team of experts at Merendi to help you get to the root of the problem.
We offer the following services and programs, which can be tailored to suit your needs;
- Health Assessments
- Health & Wellness Education
- Stress Management,
- Lifestyle Management,
- Weight Management,
- General Health Education.
- Group Fitness Classes
- Pilates,
- Boxing Fitness,
- Stretching & Relaxation,
- Functional Fitness
- Personal Training
- Individual
- Corporate Groups
- Counselling
- Anxiety and Depression
- Stress and Anger
- Mental Health issues
- Relationships
- Motivation and Assertiveness
- Workplace Massage & Alternative Therapies
- Remedial Massage,
- Bowen Therapy,
- Reiki,
- Chinese Acupressure,
- Biomesotherapy,
- Active Release,
- Theta & Pranic Healing
Our team consists of;
- Exercise Physiologists,
- Dieticians & Nutritionists,
- Counsellors,
- Massage & Alternative Therapists,
- Occupational Therapists,
- Pilates Instructors
