Dial Down Your Stress - 5 Steps to Stay Calm And Cool

Do you feel #overwhelmed and worn down by the demands of your professional or personal life? Do you feel it impacts your daily life and your energy levels? #stress is something that we're all familiar with - Our modern world is a breeding ground for it. Stress, with it's far reaching consequences, affects everyone in some way.

Here are 5 steps that can help move you from a stressed to a calmer state:

1. Take short breaks and breathe. When done right this can really help. Every couple of hours, stop what you’re doing and do one minute of slow, quiet #deepbreathing. You’ll be amazed at the results. Your breathing should be very slow, silent, and through your nose. Push your stomach out when you inhale and let it deflate as you exhale.

2. Practice saying “no.” Trying to do everything and please everybody all the time is a surefire recipe for stress. Know your limits and when you’re close to reaching them, don’t accept additional responsibilities.

3. Do some form of physical activity, like walking or yoga. Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress, even if it’s only for fifteen minutes a day. When you exercise your body releases endorphins which trigger a balancing, positive feeling in your body.

4. Instead of stressing over things you can’t control focus on the things you can control, choose how you respond to problems. How you respond is always your choice. You can communicate when you need to take a five or ten minute break prior to responding.

5. Listen to a short guided relaxation daily. You’ll not only #feelrelaxed while doing it, but most people also experience a sense of calm that lasts for hours afterward.