Here are some
De-Stressing Techniques that I've given my clients to use -- and they've all loved!
Blow the Stress Away:
I often recommend meditation and yoga to stressed-out clients. However, many folks claim they're not very good at meditating or yoga -- and being not good at something ironically makes them even more stressed-out. So here's an easy breathing exercise that will give you the exact same benefits: Blow up a balloon. The action of blowing up a balloon taps into the same breathing benefits received in meditation and yoga -- and because you're caught up with the action of blowing up a balloon, your mind can more easily stay away from your problems.
Your Assignment: Blow into a balloon with 3 breaths, for a total of 3 seconds. Hold the balloon's little tail, so it doesn't leak out the air. Then, catch your breath in 3 breaths, for a total of about 3 seconds. Return to the balloon, and blow again for three seconds. Repeat until you've blown up the entire balloon. Then go do your work -- and blow away your competition!
Smell the Sweet Smell of Success:
Out of all your senses, the sense of smell is the one most connected to your emotional center. So if you change what you smell, you can change how you feel. Lavender is a known mood relaxer and energy re-balancer. Buy a lavender candle and a tiny bottle of lavender oil for your office. Next time you feel stressed, light the candle or take a whiff of the oil. (NOTE: Hopefully you're not so stressed that you mistakenly light the oil. NOT a good idea.)
Do a Little 'The Skies are the Limit' Psychology:
Researchers say seeing the color blue tends to instill a sense of calm. If it's a nice day, take some time to stare at the blue sky. Not only will the blue color calm you, the image of floating clouds, according to researchers, will remind your subconscious about the importance of staying 'light.' And the image of the infinite skies will remind you of infinite possibilities. If it's a gray or rainy day, researchers suggest wearing something blue -- and keeping clear of any window views.
Take Some Inspiring Notes:
Listen to music that pumps you up and makes you feel cocky -- like the Rolling Stones classic 'Under My Thumb' -- or the 'Rocky' movie theme sonata. Also, Mozart has been researched to calm the mind and help your brain think more clearly.
Wag Away the Stress:
Pet a dog. Being around animals is known to calm weary nerves. (NOTE: Watch out for petting a 'shedder' before a big presentation -- especially if you're wearing black!)
Pour Yourself a Cockytale:
Self esteem is the opposite of fear and stress. The more confident you are about getting all your work done, the easier work is to do. So remind yourself about a time that makes you feel cocky, when you really scored big at the office. Make yourself swagger. For lasting courage, make an actual listing of your courage. Write down all the times you pillaged and conquered. When stress strikes, strike back with your list.
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