A common set-up for coping with stress is using alcohol or drugs to quell the effects. These types of tactics do not work for everyone, either because they do not set-up a sustainable mechanism for relieving mental health or because they do not allow people time to regroup and rethink their perspective on life. Relief for stress comes through the individual actively engaging in practices that foster mental health. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, etc are just a few ways this can be done.
One of the best ways to relieve the symptoms of anxiety and/or stress is through PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) management. This disorder is typically brought on by an extremely frightening or distressing event. Usually this type of trauma occurs in war, but it can occur any place and at any time. Some people might have a genetic predisposition for PTSD, while others develop it in response to ongoing events or scenarios that cause extreme anxiety and stress. When the sufferer realizes what has happened, it is usually too late to do anything about it.
What I teach my clients is mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness is a state of awareness. It is the awareness of breath, body sensations, feelings and thoughts without judging them. For example, when someone is engulfed in panic, the thought of doing something physically to remove the object of their anxiety would cause more stress and anxiety. The solution is to let go of the object, thus relieving the tension in their body and mind.
In addition to anxiety and stress relief, there are also physical health benefits. One of the easiest ways to experience these health benefits is through relaxation techniques. Being mindful will reduce your perception of pain and improve your ability to manage your body and your mind. Studies show that regular exercise releases natural chemicals that are beneficial to overall health. A study published in the Journal of American Science reported that regular exercise lowered high blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration.
Other physical benefits include improved muscle tone, clearer vision, increased bone strength and joint mobility, enhanced immunity, and improved immune function. By exercising, you will increase your body's ability to heal itself. Physical exercises such as swimming, walking, biking, and aerobic exercise, release chemicals that help the immune system fight off illnesses and relieve stress. For those who suffer from chronic illness, the benefits of exercise include better functioning of the digestive system which reduces symptoms such as constipation and colitis. Hydrotherapy is another popular way to relieve stress and anxiety. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine reported that a physical exercise class, including hydrotherapy, was more effective than a psychologist in helping individuals cope with chronic illness and lower their scores on the stress and anxiety scales.
Another technique that can be used for relief for stress and anxiety is water therapy. Although this technique is not technically considered a form of exercise, it does help to restore the body to a healthy state. During a traditional water immersion session, the participant will be gently immersed in warm, low-pressure water under supervision. The water will introduce oxygen into the bloodstream and increase blood flow to the muscles and other parts of the body. Once sufficient pressure is reached in the blood, the person will be able to relax.
One more positive benefit of the consumption of fresh, clean water is the reduction of cortisol, a hormone produced when a person is stressed. Cortisol tends to increase both heart rate and blood pressure, which can increase the likelihood of an individual experiencing a bout of depression or experiencing anxiety. By drinking a minimum of one glass of water per day, you can help to reduce your levels of cortisol through the garden. While there are a wide variety of other techniques that can be used for mental health purposes, the use of water is among the most beneficial. Try a few of these methods around your home or office to reap the many rewards of holistic health and wellbeing.