Oftentimes everyday stress occurs when we carry past concerns into the present. An accumulation of these concerns will almost always result in a high stress level. Because of this, we must be able to “dump” all of our concerns from the previous day and concentrate solely on the present.

Here are some powerful things you can do to relieve everyday stress:

– Learn to Meditate

Resolve right now to release every thought from yesterday and only be mindful of the now. This thought, this breath, this moment is all you need to focus on. Take in three very deep breaths and slowly release each one as a helpful practice to re-center.

At the same time you breathe, feel every concern, every problem, and every unresolved moment. As you recognize and validate them, they begin to dissolve.

Now go to your inner quiet place. Go deep inside to a place where you feel that you are at peace, relaxing and breathing in deeply, enjoying the feeling of being at one and at peace within yourself.

Use this special time and place to be calm. Free your mind and body of all worry, regret, disappointment, anger, and grief.

Next, think of one particular act, such as rocking your baby, taking a quick stroll, or raking the leaves, and then do that one simple thing. All the while, your mind is quiet and calm as you are in your own special place within.

Practice this act of quiet and calm each day and you will accomplish so much more. At the first sign of being stressed, go back to this mindful, quiet place and start all over again until you have reached your inner calm place and are able to maintain it.

– Focus on your health

Some of the very best things that you can do for yourself are to eat, drink, and rest.

Stress is easily brought on by not eating and drinking properly. When you don’t get the right amount of sleep each night, you are only setting yourself up for additional stress and putting more pressure on your body.

Limit the amount of salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol in your diet. Drink plenty of clean, pure water and exercise each day. This will breathe new life into your skin, hair and will nourish all of your vital organs. Find a gym near you and invite some friends to come along! Try an upper body workout or just get an exercise ball and start small.

Focusing on your body means taking into account every aspect of your health. Eating right, sleeping well, and practicing movement are all important components.

And don’t forget to take time to breathe! Taking deep belly breaths sends pure oxygen all over your body. It’s also important to laugh and spend time doing the things that please you most. Engage in healthy and fulfilling relationships and work on problems that would erode the closeness that you have with someone special.

When we are content and living a balanced life, everyday stresses seem to pale in comparison. We are better equipped to deal with the unexpected.

You can take control today! Isolate one particular stressor in your life and then work on it until you regain control. At the very least, have some new hope!

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Remember, managing everyday stress is key to your overall wellness and happiness.

It’s important to be aware of your stressors and work proactively to manage how you react to them. Breaking the patterns and habits of stress can set the stage for how you handle stress in the future. It’s especially key in the workplace so that stress doesn’t interfere with your responsibilities or transform into frustration.