Three Things You Can Do to Reduce Stress After Work
Stress is normal - and something that is experienced by everyone, no matter how relaxed they may seem on the outside. It is however how we manage and control our stress that separates us from each other...
Bestselling self-help author and celebrity hypnotist
Bestselling self-help author and celebrity hypnotist
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Stress is normal - and something that is experienced by everyone, no matter how relaxed they may seem on the outside. It is however how we manage and control our stress that separates us from each other.
When we look at stress and the causes, it's apparent that it's not something that is new to the modern man but something that is installed within us from early civilization. Stress in a nutshell is the release of chemicals that allow you to work at a higher functioning self - ultimately a superhero version.
As good as this may seem, over time with modern pressure to outperform others we have become reliant to work at this level which is more than we are built to. Therefore our overall neurological system is flooded with these chemicals (through the natural release and additional stimulants), which restrict our ability to unwind and relax.
If you're having problems unwinding during the evening then here are three tools that you can implement to reduce tension and stress. Remember stress management is something that everyone can benefit from - so why not incorporate the whole family.
Three Evening Recommendations To Reduce Stress:
Remove all negative viewing at least 3hrs before you plan to sleep - this includes all media channels - although your favourite TV show may include violence, this third party aggression influences your dream state and the thoughts you have just before going to sleep. This is a temporary deletion and can be slowly integrated subject to the success of your overall stress levels.
No stimulants after 6pm - this includes alcohol, caffeine and anything else designed to impair the natural responses. This can be a hard new introduction especially if you enjoy a stiff drink after a hard days work. These stimulants are counterproductive to stress management and only impair the natural production of stress busting functions.
Introduce a meditative activity - this can include audio, physical or even a peaceful walk with a loved one. This activity is a great way to break past habits and introduce a new way of conscious awareness back to a breathing state.
Remember the effective management of stress isn't found with introducing more, but taking away the old. Focus your efforts over the next few days on consuming quality nutritionally rich wholefoods, exercise at least once a day and follow the three recommendations given above.
In summary - Stress management takes time, it's not something that will change immediately, but you can take a step forward with the knowledge that you'll have a better life with reduced levels of stress.
"Regardless of how you approach driving, you still have to get to where you need to be, " says Neil Shah, director of The Stress Management Society and author of The 10-Step Stress Solution.He recommends using your time behind the wheel to practice some breathing techniques (deep breathing is noted for its calming effect on us)."Sit comfortably, listen to some quiet, calming music and focus on your breathing. Take a deep breath into your belly for five counts; hold it in for five and then release. Repeat to reach a state of relaxation." (credit:Fuse via Getty Images)
Reconnect With Nature(02 of09)
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"Although driving can be a stressor itself at times, if approached the right way, the car can be a great place to relax," explains Shah. "It provides time to unwind and relax without you having to take time out of your busy schedule." If your daily drive takes you through some green space, enjoy it (studies have found that the more green space that surrounds a person, the less stressed they're likely to be). (credit:Johner Images via Getty Images)
Listen To A Book(03 of09)
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The car can also be a great place to enjoy a book, advises Shah. "Not an actual book, but listening to an e-book or podcast can take your mind off your stressors and allow you to focus on something different and interesting. This can help re-energise the mind, bringing a positive vibe to what could have been a stressful journey." (credit:Eric Audras via Getty Images)
Get Away From Daily Distractions (And Technology)(04 of09)
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Racing car driver, former Stig and author of How To Drive: The Ultimate Guide, from the Man Who Was the Stig, Ben Collins, loves the feeling behind the wheel as an escape from technology and distractions."That doesn’t mean driving at a million miles per hour or screeching through corners on two wheels. It just means having the mental space to enjoy being focused on what you’re doing and switching off the worldly distractions that generally burn your eyes and ears throughout the day." (credit:Tara Moore via Getty Images)
Get Some Mind Space(05 of09)
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Driving is a great opportunity to clear your mind, whether you're going on an epic road trip or negotiating the daily car pool. "When stressed, in order to decide whether you need to fight or flight the stressor, the medulla oblongata, also known as the primitive brain, is used," explains Shah. "This part of the brain doesn’t play a part in problem solving, lateral thinking or creative thought processes; these processes are called higher brain functions." These higher brain functions shut down during times of stress; driving a route you know won't use those higher brain functions and can help clear your mind. (credit:PhotoAlto/Odilon Dimier via Getty Images)
Listen To Music(06 of09)
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Music is known for its relaxing properties - whether people are listening to music or making it - and has been linked to better moods while driving. Just don't listen to Marconi Union's Weightless, which can apparently slow your heart rate, reduce blood pressure and decrease cortisol levels, (and has been found by scientists to be the most relaxing tune), at the wheel. (credit:Tara Moore via Getty Images)
Enjoy Some Alone Time(07 of09)
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From our morning commutes to the time we get home in the evening, most of us are always surrounded by people and craving a bit of solitude, which is essential for mindfulness, relaxation and introspection. "To really enjoy driving there’s a part of you that just wants to be left alone to enjoy the majesty of the rolling carpet. If you turn the phone off so that your boss can’t ruin a fine view and pick a cool song, then driving transports you to another universe," says Collins. (credit:Fotosearch via Getty Images)
Catch Up With Friends(08 of09)
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While driving is a great opportunity for much-needed solitude, it can also be a chance to bond with friends or your partner on your own, which can have it's own de-stressing benefits. Not only can chatting to your friends help you relieve anxiety by having a good rant (and getting another perspective on issues you've been rehashing in your own head over and over), grabbing a friend and going on a drive - whether it's to a new city or your favourite local park - is an opportunity to do things you love, with someone you love. (credit:Wavebreakmedia Ltd via Getty Images)
Appreciate The Car Itself(09 of09)
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Sometimes, the best part about driving is feeling the power and connection between you and the vehicle you're controlling. Whether you're in a convertible letting the wind tear through your hair or appreciate the ease of an automatic car, there's nothing to take your mind off life's stresses and help you enjoy the moment like a jaunt in the car.Ben Collins recalls filming Skyfall and falling in love with the feel of the Aston Martin DB5 he drove. "The DB5’s leather sofa-cum-driving seat ironed out bumps in the road but steering the beast required both hands and a healthy concern for your trajectory. Changing course required military-grade forward planning to compensate for the body roll and lazy cornering, which challenged and enchanted with equal measure.The radio was broken, nevertheless a soundtrack filled my head as I swirled across the stunning Scottish countryside: 'We have all the time in the world.'" (credit:Eric Audras via Getty Images)