Just Another Manic Monday

Shut Up and Smile
Freaking out about a speech?  Smile, look at the audience, and keep quiet for 2 seconds, says T.J. Walker, president of Media Training Worldwide.  It'll slow you down and create the impression that you're relaxed and in control.  The audience will then feel more comfortable, leading you to actually be relaxed and in control.  Now start talking. 

Run Fast
Bike hard.  Punch the heavy bag.  A University of Missouri at Columbia study found that 33 minutes of high-intensity exercise helps lower stress levels more than working out at a moderate pace.  What's more, the benefits last as long as 90 minutes afterwards.

Meditate
Researchers at West Virgina University found that 35 participants who underwent "mindfulness meditation" saw a 44 percent reduction in psychological distress over 3 months.  Just sit quietly for 10 minutes a day and focus on your breathing.

Just Another Manic Monday

Hit the Sauna After Your Workout

In an Oklahoma State University study, those who combined sauna use with group counseling had greater stress relief, feelings of relaxation, and sense of accomplishment compared with those who only had their heads shrunk.

Unwind Online

Instead of checking your portfolio at work, go to stressremedy.com.  Shut your door, turn up your speakers, and lcick on "Relax Now" for a 6 minute, audio guided relaxation exercise based on deep breathing and meditation.

Just Another Manic Monday

Stress balls are one of the most effective stress relievers.  It's similar to taking a boxing class.  Hitting or squeezing something helps you to relax because you are getting your aggression out on an object.  This doesn't mean you are a violent person, however, saving your aggression for a ball or bag is a much more efficient way to de-stress.  Breathing techniques will go hand in hand with each of these methods.  If you can control your breathing, you will be able to mellow out a lot easier.  Inhale and exhale at an equal rate of 5 -10 seconds each making sure to fill your lungs on the inhalation and expelling all air out of your lungs on the exhalation.  Controlling stress is a daily task that all of us must practice.  

If you don't have a stress ball, make one.  Grab a tennis ball and cut a hole out of it to allow for easier squeezing.  Let the tension build up in your hand and the rest of your body, then release.  This increases relaxation.  Repeat as many times as needed.  Not only will it help you de-stress, but it will also build your forearm muscles to keep your fingers and wrists stronger when typing for long periods of time.