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Stretch those muscles!
Lean your right ear down to your right shoulder and stretch the left side of your neck as you do. Now, switch sides and do the other side. Now, look down and drop your chin towards your chest. Now slowly, let your head roll to the right and then to the left. Repeat slowly until you feel yourself loosen up.
You can do this same exercise for your shoulders, too. Try a few shoulder circles, as well. This is simple, and easy to do, and when you takea few minutes to do these several times a day, your range of motion will increase and you'll feel considerably more relaxed.
Enjoy a relaxing massage
Treat yourself to a professional therapist massage and don't forget to ask for a calming essential oil such as lavender or chamomile. Buy yourself some of the same oil to take home, and when you're having a stressful moment, put a few drops of oil onto a tissue or pillowcase and just breathe into it deeply. Or you can also use some of the oil to be infused into the air with a diffuser. Just smelling the oil will relax you even if you don't get to have a massage!
Wear a Smile
Always begin your day with a broad smile on your face. Make a point in your heart to be lighthearted on this day and every time you see someone pass them a big, sincere smile. You will be surprised how easily this action will affect your mood.
Share in a good joke or two and try to make someone else laugh. Feeling lighthearted is a good thing--do it often!
Talk to Yourself
Gently close your eyes and repeat positive affirmations. Tell yourself over and over how you want to feel and what you want to believe to be true, such as: 'I am calm' or 'I am confident and sure…' Keep in mind that what you believe to be true will be felt by your entire body!
Practice Good Posture
Take in a few, good deep breaths as you sit up very tall. Put your feet flat on the floor. At the same time angle your thighs slightly toward the floor, arch in your lower back slightly, gently push your sternum (chest bone) back and then relax your shoulders.
Take in another good deep breath and hold your position for a minute or two. Don't allow yourself to slouch at all - hold your position upright and support your good posture.
As your good posture continues to align, you will relieve muscle tension in your back, shoulders, and neck areas. Do this exercise twice daily and you will find yourself naturally supporting your good posture each day.
Get Some Fresh Air and Take a Brisk Walk
If you must be indoors most of your day, taking a break to breathe in some pure air and to exercise your limbs will be an instant refresher. Doing this will replenish your energy levels and help you acheive good concentration the rest of the day, as well as feeling more limber.
Spend just 20 to 30 minutes each day taking in fresh air and walking will improve your stress levels both physically and mentally. If you have a dog, take them along with you. They need to be refreshed just as you do.
Practice these 6 simple stress reducers daily and all that annoying stress will be history before you know it!
