We all experience stress from time to time and it can be caused by many things: work, money, relationships, school/exams.
Prolonged stress can have a negative impact on the body and mind. Stress can cause aches and pains in the muscles, nausea, digestion problems, lack of focus, memory problems, dizziness, and more. It is important to focus on managing stress levels using relaxation techniques to avoid these symptoms.
Focusing on the breath
The breath is a very powerful tool and it a way for us to quickly restore calm in the body during moments of stress and anxiety. Focusing on deep breaths and slowing down your breathing pattern grounds the body and mind.
Breathing techniques can come in many different forms and finding what works best for you is important. You can engage in more structured breathing techniques using guided meditations and breathwork (there are lots online). Or you can simply just focus your attention to your natural breathing pattern to centre yourself for a few minutes, whatever feels best for you.
Meditation is very effective in stress-relief. Meditation is simple and can be done anywhere and requires no equipment. Meditation allows you to redirect your focus from your anxious thoughts to the breathing, the body, the senses, or a visual. Through consistent meditation, you will be better equipped to control your thoughts and maintain a more peaceful mindset.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to relieve stress in both the short-term and long-term.
Physical releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that help you to feel happier, exercising consistently will increase your mood and help to combat feelings of anxiety and stress.
When exercising we are concentrated on our body and putting our energy into moving. This takes our focus away from our thoughts and allows the mind to relax. After exercising you may find that your worries and anxieties feel smaller and less overwhelming.
Low intensity exercise such as walking and yoga are more mindful ways to move your body, and give you space to clear your head and de-stress.
Yoga
Yoga has been practiced for many years and is an activity specifically developed to reduce stress, improve overall wellbeing, and improve mindfulness. Yoga relaxes both the body and the mind because it is a form of meditative movement.
Yoga focuses on stretches, strength, and balance and can be low intensity or high intensity, depending on your preference. Stretching is a way of relieving tension built up by stress, as well as improving flexibility and mobility. Balancing increases your body awareness and improves mental focus.
The breath is an important anchor within yoga, it creates a flow and rhythm within the movement and connects the body and mind. This is what makes yoga such a mindful practice and why it is one of the most effective methods of stress relief.
There are lots of resources out there if you are new to yoga, such as guided online videos, in-person classes, and books.
Osteopathy and Massage
Massage is an effective way to relieve tension and tightness from the muscles. Muscular tension and soreness can be a result of stress and massage helps to increase relaxation and circulation throughout the body and mind.
Similarly, acupuncture is another technique that can reduce stress in the body. Acupuncture improves blood circulation through the body and cycles out any unwanted chemicals that may be contributing to your stress.
Massage and acupuncture are techniques often used in osteopathy, used to relieve pain and achiness in the muscles. If you are experiencing any kind of muscle tension or pain, stress related or not, you may benefit from osteopathic treatment.
If you wish to see a member of our team for an initial consultation, you can do so on our website. Alternatively, you can call us on 0121 705 4499 or email us at info@solihullosteopathicpractice.co.uk. You can also pop into the practice, and we will be happy to help.