Stress Relievers for the Busy Bee
By Brandi Goodman
Busy, busy, busy -- that's all a lot of people can say these days. Our to-do lists have grown exponentially with all of the tasks we need to accomplish. When you've got work, kids, and a home life to juggle, the growing lists of duties to tend to can become more than stressful. Stress relievers for the busy bee are possible. You just need some guidance on how to start.
Learn Deep Breathing Exercises
Something as simple as breathing can help you relax. There are techniques, however, that you need to utilize. Learn deep breathing exercises that have you taking in air slowly and releasing that breathe back out equally as slow. This helps to focus your mind and calm you. For example, you can breathe in through your nose and hold for a few seconds before breathing back out through your nose. Breathing exercises only take a few minutes to help and can be done anywhere.
Drink Water
Skip the caffeine. It may seem like you need it when you have so much to accomplish, but it can actually have the opposite effect of what you're hoping to achieve. Too much caffeine can leave you feeling jittery and on edge. It can also make it hard to sleep at night, making you rely on it more and more as the days go by. Drink water instead. Be sure to get plenty of water each day so you're staying hydrated and staying energized.
Fit in Exercise Whenever Possible
Exercise provides excellent stress relief. You don't always half a full half-hour to get the job done though. That's OK! You can fit in exercise whenever -- and wherever -- possible to be sure it has some effect on your stress levels. Jog up the stairs instead of taking the elevator when leaving work for the day. Take a short walk on your lunch break. Do some simple stretches. Just a few minutes can help release some endorphins and put you in a better mood.
Play Upbeat Tunes
Music can put us into a variety of moods. Listen to something melancholy and you're bound to feel the same. Listen to something more upbeat and positive and you're much more likely to experience the beneficial sentiment. Songs such as "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves and "I Got You" by James Brown are some popular choices consistently heard in movies for a reason. It's hard not to have your spirits lifted when you hear them.
So you're a busy bee -- always on the go and filling your time with tasks. No matter how busy you get, even the busiest person can seek stress relief. With these tips in mind, you can ease your overwhelming anxiousness and keep your stress levels to a minimum.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Indianapolis, Ind.