Stress & Anxiety is part of everyday life. Things that we go through effect our moods and how we feel from time to time. This page has been set up to help with these times.
WELCOME TO STRESS BUSTERS
20 Ways To Boost Your Mood
1. GET OUTDOORS!
Even it it`s chilly outside wrap up warm and go for a walk or a bike ride. The fresh air will do you good, and if it`s a crisp sunny day you will be topping up your vitamin D too, which may even help you to stay younger for longer!
2. WATCH YOUR FAVOURITE TV SHOW
Take time out to relax and watch you favourite TV show - especially if its a comedy - without interruptions.
3. SAY CHEESE!
Smile, even if you don`t feel likew it.Facial expressions can have a direct effect on mood, so if you look happy, you`re more likely to feel happy.
4. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
Think of five reasons you have to be grateful. It should boost your mood and put things into perspective.
5. PAINT YOUR NAILS
A little bit of pampering goes a long way. Paint your nails a cheery colour, and you`ll smile as you look at them.
6.1,2,3, BREATHE.......
Stressed ? Take five minutes to breathe deeply, with calm thoughts.
7. SAY IT WITH FLOWERS
Pick flowers from your garden or buy some for yourself. They`ll brighten your home and your mood.
8. LOSE YOURSELF
Spend time on a hobby you enjoy - weather it`s karate, candlemaking or knitting. Concentrating fully on one activity is a great wayto forget your troubles and lift your mood.
9. PLAN A HOLIDAY
Having something to look forward to has a postive effect on you general well being - and if you can`t afford a holiday, even organising a night or day out with friends is a good start.
10. SNAP HAPPY
Look through old photo albums and remind yourself of happy memories - you`ll soon be smiling.
11. TREAT YOURSELF
Give yourself a break and indulge yourself. It dosen`t have to be expensive, but a little of what you fancy does you good, weather it be a new lipstick, a chocolate bar or som lovely bubblebath.
12. IN THE MOOD FOR DANCING
Put on a happy song, singalong and dance around the lounge - you maylook silly, but then no-one`s watching, and you`re sure to feel wonderfully energised afterwards.
13. I WANNA HOLD YOUR HAND
Research has shown that just 10 minutes of hand holding every day can significantly reduce stress levels. So waht are you waiting for, grap a little happiness!
14. ANIMAL MAGIC
Play with a pet. Research has shown that animal`s reduce stress levels, so if you`ve got a pet manke the mostof it. If not borrow someone else`s!
15. PHONE A FRIEND
Feeling low? Pick up the phone and call someone you haven`t spoken to in a long while... a serious gossip will do you the world of good.
16. JUMP AROUND
You may not feel like it, but getting active will release serotonin - the body`s happiness molecules - and make you feel happy and full of life. Just half an hour makes all the difference.
17. SMILE AT A STRANGER
Choose one day a week to perform random acts of kindness - hold a door open for people, help someone with their heavy bags of simle at people on the street. You`ll feel the positive vibes come back to you, and feel great.
18. DECLUTTER DECLUTTER DECLUTTER
Messy surroundings can have a negative effect on your psychological state. So get organised throw out unnecessary clutter, and tidy your home and you mind at the same time!
19. BRUSH YOURSELF HAPPY
Use a bodybrush over your skin before showering - you`ll feel a tingly glow and start your day on a high.
20. HUG!
If all else fails try a hug! It can reduce blood pressure and feels great too.
Walking - is a great way to relieve stress here are some links to walking web sites
www.powystrails.org.uk - Powys Trails
www.21topdogwalks.co.uk - 21 Top Dog Walks
Exercise For Stress Relief
When you are tense or anxious you may start to breathe more quickly. Breathing too fast or deeply can lead to more symptons of panic such as :
Tingling face, hands or limbs
Muscles tremors and cramps
Dizziness and visual problems
Difficulty breathing
Exhaustion and feelings of fatigue
Chest and stomach pains
Learning to control your breathing can help to reduce these symptons.
THE BREATHING EXERCISE
It is generally easier to do this exercise lying down, so if you can, lie down flat on the floor somewhere you won`t be disturbed.
Place one hand on your stomach
Start off by taking a good, deep breath in through you nose whilst counting up to four. See if you can make your hand rise as your stomach pushes out ant the muscles stretch.
Breath out gently through your mouth as you count slowly to six.
Keep doing this unti you calm down.
THINGS TO REMEMBER :
You need to practice controlled breathing when you`re not anxious before trying yo apply them to your panics.
You are trying to develop a new habit so practice the exercise whenever you can. Repeated rehearsal leads to success.
IN 1+ 2+ 3+ 4
OUT 1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ 6
GOOD LUCK
FOR BOOKS AND CD`S ON RELAXATION CONTACT
Self help book`s @ Booklets, Secretary OCTC, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX
