HEALTH SOLUTIONS

STRESS RELIEF HOME

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Learn about the signs and symptoms of stress.

THE STRESS TEST
Take this quick and easy test to find out how stressed you are.

STRESS MANAGEMENT
Effective techniques to help
you cope with stress.

LAUGH YOUR CARES AWAY
It's been said many times, but laughter really can be helpful.

Stress Management

Know Your Stress Triggers

Do you know what gets you all worked up? Presentations, interviews, meetings, giving difficult feedback, tight deadlines, driving, financial problems, waiting for a bus?

Make your own list of stress triggers. Remember to be as specific as possible. Is it only presentations to a certain audience that get you "all shook up"? Does a phone call to a particular person cause more stress than going to the dentist? Did you forget to pay a bill again?

Knowing what causes you stress is very useful information, giving you insight into what needs to be done to make it less stressful. You may need to learn new skills in order to cope with your stress triggers more effectively. You may need drive a different way to work or start a budget to plan for your financial future...

Stress Relieving Exercise

This exercise can be done anywhere, whenever you have some time. You can lie down or make yourself comfortable in a chair.

	Close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths - breathing in through your nose, hold for 3 to 5 seconds and exhale through the mouth. Make sure to use all of your lungs.
	Starting with your head, breathe in as you tense your forehead, hold for 10 seconds and release the tension, breathing out slowly through your mouth.
	Work down the rest of your body as follows: Eyes (squeeze) Cheeks & Mouth (Grin as wide as you can) Neck (Do this by exposing your lower teeth) Shoulders Chest Arms (make sure your fingers form fists) Abdomen Buttocks Thighs Calves Feet (Make sure you curl your toes)
	Your breathing should remain slow and steady throughout this exercise and you should make a conscious effort to concentrate on each part of the body that you are working. Remember to inhale when you tense and exhale when you release.
	When you have finished, take note of how your body feels, the muscles relaxed and your breathing slow and regular. Take 10 more deep breaths and smile. Hold the smile for as long as you need to and enjoy.

Resources

Stress Relief Products
Products to soothe, calm, relax and relieve stress & tension.

Stress Relief Therapies
Which therapies are most effective for stress? Find out!

Recommended Reading
Search for books dealing with stress and self development.