5 Tips for Reducing your Stress Levels


We all feel stressed from time to time. However, if you are feeling overwhelmed more often than normal, try my top tips for restoring calm.

1. Breathing

If you feel your stress levels increasing, a simple breathing exercise you can try is to breathe in for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, then breathe out for 6 seconds. Do this several times, and you should feel your stress and anxiety begin to reduce. This technique works well for me.


2. Positive affirmations

Saying positive affirmations to yourself can help change your mindset and encourage positivity. It is best to say affirmations last thing at night and first thing in the morning before getting out of bed, as the mind is more open to any positive statements you tell yourself.

The examples may include;

'I am developing amazing coping skills.'

'I trust in my skills and abilities,' or

'Everyone has bumps in the road, but I will keep going.'

Any positive statements will help. Repeat regularly to get the best results.

3. Sleep

Having a good night's sleep heals the mind and body. It can boost your immune system and may leave you feeling refreshed and energised. Aim to get at least 7 - 8 hours of sleep each night. Turn off television and lights as these can affect sleep, even if you have slept throughout the night.

Healthline.com states

Making your bedroom more sleep-appropriate and comfortable can also help. Take steps to keep it dark, cool, comfortable, and quiet, such as the following:

  • Consider limiting indoor sources of light, buying dark curtains, and using earplugs.

  • Limit the use of, screens (TV, phone, tablet, or computer) 30 to 60 minutes before sleep.

Sleep Disorders: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments (healthline.com)

4. Exercise

A great way to release stress is through exercise. It is well known 'working out' provides an effective stress release for the mind and body. A regular workout releases natural chemicals into the body, these include Endorphins, which make you feel good, and Dopamine is also released when you are active, which is known as the reward chemical. Generally, exercise can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as many other benefits.

Try out one of Lucy Wyndham-Read's workout videos. They range from 4 minutes to 30 minutes. Here is a 7 minute workout. https://youtu.be/yFxwTUO4818

If you need some motivation to exercise listen to Tansy Forrest's hypnosis audio. It will allow you to relax and encourage you to be more active. https://youtu.be/IQReKQY8zqA


5. Rest and Relaxation

I have always advocated that you should make time for yourself. You may consider an hour each day, one day a week, or a few days each month. If you are a person with little time. Start with an hour a day. You could meet with friends for a coffee. You may read a book, or do nothing at all. Whatever you do, it is important to make time for yourself.



These tips are what I use to help keep my stress levels to a minimum. I will also use them when I am busy and on the go. 



Please call me if you would like information on how hypnotherapy can be a wonderful tool to support your life.


Valerie

Clinical Hypnotherapist Dip.Hyp.HWHP, BA

24 November 2022