Stress Relief

Written by Diana Salazar. Posted in Blog

With Holiday Season in full swing you may feel the effects through stress, tiredness, irritability, frustration, decreased patience, etc. The Holiday Season may touch on grief (the loss of a loved one), trauma (a previous event that occurred), financial challenges, relationship strain, and more. This week Sunshine State Counseling Center is providing relaxation tips that may help you cope with stress.

The following are three relaxation techniques that could help reduce stress during the Holiday Season:

-Guided Imagery: This involves finding a soothing place, scene, or experiences in your mind to help you relax and focus.

One example:
Bring awareness to the right hand.

Notice each finger of the right hand.

Touch thumb to index finger…thumb to middle finger…thumb to fourth finger…thumb to pinkie finger…thumb to fourth finger…thumb to middle finger…thumb to index finger. Relax the hand. Relax the fingers. Notice the left hand.

Notice each finger of the left hand.

Touch left thumb to index finger…thumb to middle finger…thumb to fourth finger…thumb to pinkie finger…thumb to fourth finger…thumb to middle finger thumb to index finger.

Relax the hand.

Relax the fingers.

-Mindfulness Meditation: For this technique it is important to find a comfortable sitting area, and focusing on your breathing, and bringing your attention to the present moment.

Example:
For one minute, repeat “May I be happy, may I be well, may I be filled with kindness and peace.” You can substitute “you” for “I” and think of someone you know and like or just send love to all people.

-Yoga, Tai-Chi, and Qigong: These three ancient arts combine rhythmic breathing with a series of postures or flowing movements. The physical aspects of these practices offer a mental focus that can help distract you from racing thoughts.