Five ways to release stress from the body

Did you know that when there is stress it is usually carried in our bodies somewhere? Not only that but it can create health issues and sometimes these issues can play a role in how we function daily in our lives. These issues can wreak havoc in our minds and our bodies if we let it or we can find ways to release the stress and incorporate these into our daily practice so we can live much more balanced lives.

There are many ways to release stress from the body but I will give you my daily process and a few ways I use as well periodically to release stress and feel good. First of all I will tell you that I have fibromyalgia and I have a process that works for me and I if I get off track which believe me I have gotten off track, I can tell a difference. You will find your own methods that work for you. I am sharing what works for me. This will give you a place to begin to explore way that will work to release your stress.

My Daily Practice

1) Meditation - (I do 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes before bed)
To begin the practice of meditation, find a quiet place free of distractions. Set a timer for five minutes or ten minutes or however long you would like to start with and sit comfortably on the floor or in a chair. Then close your eyes and connect with your breath by focusing on your breathing without trying to direct it. Your breath is your anchor to the present moment. When your mind wanders off in thought just bring focus back to your breath.
The meditation above is a mindful meditation practice. You will find what works for you.

2) Breath Work
This you can do anywhere and anytime. Exhale completely through your mouth, making sure to breathe out completely. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of eight. Exhale completely through your mouth, making sure to breathe out completely to a count of eight. Concentrate on only your breathing while doing this exercise. Try to let go of other thoughts that may be spinning around in your brain. You can do this several times a day and from wherever you are and can be five or ten minutes or as long as you want.

3) Epson Salt and Essential Oil baths
Baths are super relaxing for me. Epson salt is super detoxifying and essential oils are very effective in releasing stress energies in the body. A few essential oils you can add to the bath for relaxing would be Lavender, Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Rose and many others. Also Clove oil or Cinnamon oil is very detoxifying. There are many combinations and I have had much success with the oils.

4) Mindful Walking

You can walk anywhere indoor or outdoor. It is up to you. You will begin by taking a few breaths, standing still and being aware of your surroundings. You will then begin by walking a normal pace. Keep your mind on your walking. Pay attention to every step and how your body moves. If you catch your mind wandering bring yourself to your breath and count your breaths to bring you back to focus. Be aware of your surroundings. If you are outside it might be the birds or the trees. Also listen to the sounds and smells. Stay aware of everything around you. As you come to an end. Stand still for a moment before ending the practice.

5) Journal
Writing in the journal brings great clarity to me. Hopefully this will be helpful for you as well. For a how to journal go to http://illuminatingselfgrowth.com/journaling/ for an easy outline on what and how to begin journaling.

These are some things I do daily as a practice to keep my body in balance. I also practice yoga a few days a week, I get massages, go out in nature, clear my chakras, Reiki, use crystals at home and my workspace to keep the energy levels up in those areas of my life and more. There are many ways to release stress in your body. The key is to build a practice to where you can keep yourself in balance. This will add clarity to your life and you will begin to feel awesome.

I recommend you create a process of your own that you can do daily that will keep the stress down to a minimum. Begin slowly by adding one thing at a time. Experiment with what works for you.

Most of all take time for you. You cannot fully be there for others without taking care of you first.