Learning how to relax is important. But knowing how to do it fast is even more beneficial. Stress, whichever way you look at it, is always nasty and risky. A great number of major and deadly diseases take their roots on stress, while some others are made worse by it. It’s good to know that there are ways to combat stress – and fast – once you feel it starting to set in.

1. Treat yourself to a hot bath. Hot water has been known to cause our muscles to relax, so it’s a great thing to take once the stress from your daily activities get beyond manageable levels.

2. Harness the relaxing powers of music. To each his own when it comes to this as different people have different musical preferences. Try to see which type you find relaxing. It can be soul, jazz, mushy, or classical. Go for whatever suits your senses. Keep your music handy at home, at the office, or during trips. Just make sure you don’t listen to heavy stuff that induces sleep, especially when you drive.

3. Go to some new place. Oftentimes, stress is associated with a certain location. It can be the workplace, the usual routes we take when driving, or even our own home. It helps to get yourself a breather by going to a place you don’t normally go to, for a change.

4. Serve yourself a soothing cup of chamomile tea. Chamomile has been known to possess calming qualities. Taking it in hot tea form helps to relax the nerves of the body.

5. Keep an eye on your thought patterns. Most of the time, the manner by which we handle everyday problems dictates whether we live a stressful or stress-free life. Mundane matters like hunger, missed phone calls, and other unwarranted worries are easily resolved and shouldn’t get in the way of you getting the relaxation you deserve.

6. Laugh your way to relaxation. A lot has been said about laughter being the best medicine, and this cliché will always hold true. Find time to mingle with funny people. Listen to their jokes and have a good laugh. Notice how you’d feel lighter inside afterwards.

7. Make deep breathing through the nose a habit. This one should be a no-brainer, and with consistent practice should come naturally in no time. With eyes closed, inhale slowly and deeply through your nose while paying close attention to the air as it slowly goes through your respiratory system. Think of this air as relaxing air that you take deep down to your system.

8. Walk around. Going for walks is a very practical and beneficial relaxation technique. Even just walking around for ten minutes is enough to make you feel better, while longer, faster walks have the added advantage of perking up your cardio-respiratory system.

9. Feel good by hugging. This is, of course, something you don’t just do with anyone. But with the right person, a sincere and wholesome hug can be most relaxing.

10. Break your routine. Consider doing some unusual things. Engage in a conversation with strangers. Eat unusual food. Dress oddly. Whatever takes you out of the ordinary can be stress-relieving.

It takes time and consistent practice for anyone to slip into a more relaxed lifestyle. The tips given above are very practical and can readily be utilized right after you’re done reading. You’d want to take it slow in the early goings just so you don’t get even more stressed trying to fit them all in to your daily routine. Once you feel more comfortable with the list, stopping stress right on its tracks will come naturally.

Tags: deep breathing, nerves of the body, stress