Text by Corina Tan
Our lives are constantly filled with daily stress and dealing with things that are beyond our control. Sometimes, taking a break by having a drink or a snack helps to manage stress momentarily, but there are healthier alternatives we can use. These methods can help us unwind, calm our minds and make us feel better in the long run.
MINDFUL MEDITATION
Mindful meditation first thing in the morning can help harness runaway thoughts and anxiety thus calming the mind and eradicating stress before it begins. Many people find that starting the day this way increases feelings of tranquillity and inner strength. Meditation can help lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and teach our bodies how to balance our mind and emotions in the face of life challenges. If you can’t always get it done in the morning, just 15 minutes during your commute, lunch break or right before bed can help too.
YOGA
While the idea of yoga may not be that appealing for everyone, it is one of the healthiest and most satisfying choicest you can make. Yoga eases breathing, reduces muscle tension, and helps oxygen to flow throughout your body which helps reduce the detrimental effects of stress. Yoga is designed to integrate the functions of the mind, body and heart, decrease brain chatter, increase mindfulness and releases stress-calming endorphins. If the thought of joining a class feels intimidating, start out with streaming or watching beginner yoga videos at home. It is easy to do regardless of your age and physical ability.
SELF-HYPNOSIS
Contrary to popular belief, self-hypnosis is based on a focused daydream and a way to get your mind back into your body. It is the practice of quieting the mind and then imagining that you are someplace pleasant. It can also be an intention setting activity where you visualise that you have already achieved a goal you’ve set for yourself. During the process, notice the point in time when your tummy is relaxed, and your facial muscles have flattened out. This then helps you to experience a cascade of relaxation that results from simple micro-movements. The places that you imagine can be someplace familiar like your living room, or a place you associate with tranquillity like a mountain top or a quiet beach. The ultimate goal is to take yourself so deep within that state of imagination that your actual physical surroundings no longer exist or have relevance, thus alleviating the stress that you had previously felt.
Stay tuned for Part 2.
