Quick stress relief techniques

I wanted to share some quick stress relief techniques that I use at home, at work or on the road. I call them my do-it yourself stress relief.

There are so many stress reducing techniques that work fine – the only problem is that most of them need to be applied by someone else.

Here are my 4 favorite techniques inspired by Chinese traditional medicine. I practice them on myself any time I have an unusually stressful day, too many concerns, a bad night’s sleep, a headache for "no reason" after a long day or a deadline approaching.

1. Head acupressure points

Put your hands on your head (you may sit, stand or lie in bed). Locate the base of your skull with your thumbs. Press your thumbs in and slightly upward in the direction of your eyes. Repeat 10 times.

Or

Press your middle fingers right in the middle of your eye brows and slightly above them. Hold the pressure for 10 seconds and release. Repeat 5 times.

Then slide your fingers along your eyebrows until they reach the temple. Position your middle fingers in the temple area and make a circular movement and slide the fingers behind the ear down to the side of your neck. Repeat 5 times.

2. Hands acupressure points

The point is located on both hands, about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in from the edge of the webbing between your thumbs and index fingers. Put your left thumb on the right hand point and squeeze. Then with your index finger massage your palm. Do the same on the other hand. Repeat 5 times.

3. Neck stretch and self massage:

Loosening and relaxing your muscles by stretching and massaging your neck is a very simple, but very efficient stress relief technique that makes you feel less tense and rigid. Bend your head forward, then in a slow circular mootion move your head from your right shoulder to the left. Do the same starting the circle from the right. Try it – it works!

4. Breathing

There is nothing better and less expensive than breathing as a quick stress relief method. Take a deep breath.

Yes. A deep breath and slowly exhale. That’s it!

Do it Again.

3 times is enough. The more oxygen you supply to the brain, the more endorphines (the hormones that make you feel good) are released.

Now you are ready to face any stressful thoughts or situations that come your way. You have your own do-it yourself quick stress relief techniques.

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