What You Can Do to Reduce Stress

It is not uncommon for students to experience stress and anxiety in college. A positive attitude, a balanced approach and relaxation exercises are just some of the ways students can combat stress. The following handouts provide tips on how to reduce stress in your life: Attitude is Everything, Coping with Exam Anxiety, Deep Breathing Exercises.

Meditation: Take a stress-reduction break wherever you are

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Originally, it was meant to help people deepen their understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. These days, many people turn to meditation for relaxation and stress reduction. Meditation produces a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and emotional stability. And these effects don't end when your meditation session ends. Meditation can have lasting effects on your emotional and physical well-being.

Some Common Signs and Symptoms of Excess Stress

Regularly walking, eating or working in a rushed way.
Regularly thinking and worrying about the past or future.
Frequent tension in the body (esp. neck, face, shoulders, back and chest, and stomach) which often goes unnoticed until one slows down, breaths deep and carefully surveys the body.

Stress reduction and other benefits of tai chi

Tai chi may also help your overall health, although it's not a substitute for traditional medical care. Tai chi is generally safe for people of all ages and levels of fitness. Older adults may especially find tai chi appealing because the movements are low impact and put minimal stress on muscles and joints. Tai chi may also be helpful if you have arthritis or are recovering from an injury. And that research is suggesting that tai chi may offer numerous other benefits beyond stress reduction, including: Reducing anxiety and depression , Improving balance and coordination, Reducing the number of falls, Improving sleep quality, such as staying asleep longer at night and feeling more alert during the day.

Stress Reduction Techniques Explained

Environmental Methods :Reduce the Importance of the Event, Reduce Uncertainties, Listen to Music or Relaxation Tapes .Physical Techniques: these are most effective where stress is driven by excessive levels of adrenaline, Progressive Muscular Relaxation Breathing Control , Biofeedback , Mental Techniques: most effective where psychological factors are driving stress., Imagery Relaxation, Thought Awareness, Rational Thinking and Positive Thinking , Remembering past good workouts, performances and achievements , Self-Hypnosis and Auto-Suggestion

Stress Reduction, Stress Relievers

Just as stress is different for each of us there is no stress reduction strategy that is a panacea. Jogging and other aerobic exercises, different types of meditation, prayer, yoga and tai chi are great for many people but when arbitrarily imposed on others, prove dull, boring and stressful. There is certainly no shortage of stress relievers and in addition to the above, various progressive muscular relaxation exercises, autogenic training, deep breathing, massage therapies, visual imagery and self hypnosis practices are popular. There are also acupuncture, acupressure, biofeedback, Alexander, Reiki, Feldenkrais and other bodywork and postural techniques. Some people find that listening to music, hobbies, volunteer work, keeping a daily journal of events and how they feel, laughter, playing with pets, taking short breaks or shopping help them to relax.