Atlanta, GA (PressExposure) July 09, 2009 -- STRESS KILLS.
Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, chest pains.....
Over the years, I've been emailed all sorts of gimmicky products that promise to reduce stress levels, but require paying money. RED FLAG! For me, the single most effective way of managing stress is 100% FREE and it's something you can do in your car, at home, or in the office.
1. Find Comfort Find a comfortable position where your limbs are relaxed. For some, this is sitting in a chair and for others it's laying down- either way, this first step is critical. For best results, try to avoid standing.
2. The 4:8 Ratio Next, start by inhaling for 4 seconds, then exhaling for 8 seconds. Repeat this 5-10 times. Inhale, exhale twice as long.... relax. Keep it up! Now for the best part:
3. Pulling it Together Once you have the hang of it, start focusing on your muscles relaxing as you exhale. Start with your arms, then your quadriceps, your neck, even feel your calves and ankles relaxing. Inhale, then exhale...... feel your muscles literally open up like sunflowers and relax. It really works!
It's important to keep your stress levels to a bare minimum- your life depends on it.