Top Natural and Simple Stress Busters Anyone Can Do

Stress isn't always a bad thing. Some people thrive on stress and are at their best when under pressure. Without a degree of stress life would become monotonous, boring and would lack challenge and this could lead to health problems due to apathy. Finding a happy balance between stress and relaxation and being able to control stress so it does not lead to anxiety, over-worry and feelings of being unable to cope, is the perfect target to aim for.

Those who enjoy working under pressure and thrive on being challenged are probably choosing how much they can take on and they will enjoy what they do. Stress caused by outside factors such as money problems, health worries, family difficulties or unemployment is less healthy. This is when people feel their lives are slipping out of their control, this makes them more anxious and stress levels rise.

Identifying the source of stress is the first and most important part of stress management. If you feel tense, anxious, nervous and as if you can't cope, take a look at your lifestyle and your reaction to different parts of your life. Where is it you feel under stress the most? Do you blame other people or circumstances for your problems? If so, until you take responsibility for how you respond to matters outside your control, your stress level too will be hard to control.

Once you've identified the areas most likely to cause you stress, you might think about how you can change your life in order to avoid the stressor. If for instance people expect too much from you and there's no room in your life for yourself, learn how to say 'no.' If there are topics of conversation that upset you, avoid the subject. If you've got too much to do, take a look at your priorities and be ready to drop some less important commitments and manage your time better. Stress management strategies can take time to put into practice.

In the meantime, here are some natural, simple stress busters that may bring temporary relief:

* Focus on your breathing: inhale slowly, count to ten, hold your breath, count to ten and exhale slowly.

* Focus on your body: simple stretching exercises can be good for relieving stress and tension. Go for a walk or walk your dog.

* Focus on relaxation: sing, laugh, listen to music, pray, take a nap. Focus on visualisation: imagine a peaceful favourite place. It could be beside the sea, a mountain venue, a log cabin surrounded by snow. Concentrate on this place, its surroundings, the colour, smells and noises around you and lose yourself for a few moments in this more tranquil setting.

* Or you might focus on your relationships: find someone you can talk to about your feelings. A trouble shared, so they say, is a trouble halved!

The quickest and easiest way to reduce stress temporarily is to stop, recognise you are feeling anxious and under pressure and give your mind and body a chance to switch into a different mode by trying one of the above quick and simple stress relieving exercises.