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Renee Singh
The seemingly eternally present element in everyone’s lives is stress. Who wants to associate with it? Nobody, of course. But then, what are we supposed to do to get rid of it? Is it also the eternal or should I say internal quest?
I have observed that most people look for a quick stress reliever. Anything that relaxes their inner environment as quickly as possible and grants them calm to handle life from a more peaceful perspective.
Popular methods
There are so very many techniques of handling stress that given the wide choice available, we can find our own special techniques, according to our inherent self, and see which one suits the most. All of them will come with their own strengths and weaknesses, and need to be chosen according to our own personal perspective.
Right tools
This depends on your own personal situation. Becoming familiar with your own strengths and weaknesses is most important. This does sound like a lot of mental work but then we have to pay a price for everything in life. There definitely are no free rides.
Quick fixers
These are essential to a certain point. They alleviate the immediate pain and give us a breather in which you can think of better ways to de stress.
Breathing exercises
While going through a sudden extremely stressful condition or when you actually feel consciously highly stressed, you can stop, take a few long deep breaths and feel a certain level of calm.
Visualise serenity
The best way to relieve stress fast is to think of some beautiful settings which you would surely enjoy.
Listen to music
This instantly lifts your mood. Stay with your favourite songs and tunes, and feel yourself elevate your mood almost instantly. You can directly change zones like this.
Minimize chronic stress
Quick fix techniques are essential to use for the moment but most important are those that relieve you of chronic stress. There should be an overall plan to relieve stress.
Build strength
Look for techniques which actually strengthen the inner you. Once the strength exists within, then the minor stresses stop playing with your emotions and hassling you. This makes you impervious to a lot of issues.
Exercise regularly
This is a major way to de-stress and keep the body fit. Exercise releases a lot of toxins from within. It actually changes the inherent body composition. The flow of energy in the body releases positive chemicals, which naturally counter stress.
Meditate for resilience
It definitely has long term benefits. It calms your mind and makes you less reactive.
Self care
This insulates you from the negative effects of chronic stress. Keeping an overall level of fitness by maintaining a good balance between mind and body keeps you fit. Although it’s easier said than done but maintaining that quotient is very essential and just as all other habits, self care has to be nurtured by us as a habit.
Maximize personal ability
It is up to you totally to maximize your inner strength. Will yourself to it. Do not procrastinate on yourself. You need to fight your mental inertia and work on yourself.
Use stress relieving techniques you have chosen personally for yourself and move forward in joy. Let stress no longer hold you in its grip. Relax and enjoy your life.
(Singh is a Chandigarh-based
psychotherapist)