Feeling stressed is
unavoidable for the vast majority of us, but that doesn’t mean that
we’re destined to suffer the effects indefinitely (especially since
stress is commonly linked to so many illnesses!). Rather, next time
you’re feeling a bit frazzled, try one of these instant stress relievers
to alleviate of a lot of stress in just 5 minutes!5 Ways To De-Stress In 5 Minutes Or Less
Disconnect. Technology makes it incredibly easy to keep in touch, which is undeniably amazing, but it also makes it incredibly easy to feel stressed out and, well, crazy! With multiple phones ringing at once, an overflowing email inbox and online flash-sales that suck up your time (as well as your money!), try to disconnect, even if only for 5 minutes (or just spend a couple minutes changing your cell phone’s ringtone to something that always makes you smile!). Not sure what to do with your blackberry-free hands? Always keep a stress ball on hand, squeezing it so that the once round stress ball becomes a squished, shapeless mass.
Call A Friend. Taking a break to call a friend will help get your mind off whatever it is that’s stressing you and remind you that you don’t have to face the world alone! Just a 5 minute phone call with a familiar voice can help you to relax and put life back in to perspective. Plus, it’s always great to catch up and shake off some stress.
Think Positive. Stress is inevitable when dealing with deadlines, projects and more but by taking just 5 minutes to concentrate on the positive, you’ll instantly put yourself into a better mental place, one considerably more likely to lead to success than to stress. Rather than worrying about all the what-ifs, focus on what you can do and what you want rather than the worse case scenarios. Or, at the very least, take the Boy Scout method: rather than worrying about the worst scenario, prepare for it!
Get Writing. Anytime you need to relax or when you find yourself obsessing or distracted, grab a pen (or your keyboard) and get writing. Spend 5 minutes just writing, without thinking, about whatever comes to mind, no matter how silly or irrelevant it may seem. It will not only exhaust your stressful thoughts but also get your creative juices flowing.
Give Back. Doing something nice for someone else always gets the feel-good feelings going. And while it takes more than 5 minutes to paint a school, feed the homeless or take part in any other charitable initiative, in just 5 minutes you can do some research online and sign up for an activity that gives back in your neighborhood. Not enough time for philanthropic project? Just writing a thank you note or letter of appreciation for someone in your life will instantly decreasing your stress status help you to gather a refreshing new perspective.
By: Melanie Kozlan from msn