Stress Reduction
Following is a 7 part series on stress reduction.
Breathe Through Difficulties
The breath is a wonderful tool to control your moods. Breath bridges your mind and body to your nervous system.
Whenever you think of it， practice making your breath deeper， quieter， slower and more regular. When something happens that normally would anger and upset you， practice taking four deep， slow breaths before you react.
Pay Attention to Noise
Sound influences the nervous system directly and profoundly， and often keeps us in a state of arousal and tension. Pay attention to sounds in your environment that might add to your stress； if you cannot eliminate them， try masking them with music or a white noise generator .
Learn to Stretch from Your Family Pet
By making your body more flexible， you cultivate resilience in other aspects of your life. Stretching is one of the most natural forms of exercise. Watch cats and dogs if you need instruction. Whenever the body has been in one position for a long time， stretch it briefly in the opposite direction. Remember not to hold your breath！
Move More
Physical activity is an effective way to discharge inner tension that can interfere with a resilient response to stress； the kind of activity that protects us from the harmful effects of stress is moment to moment activity throughout the day. Park your car a little further away from your destination. Take the stairs instead of the elevator， etc.
Switch from Coffee to Green Tea
Caffeine is a powerful stimulant that increases muscle tension and anxiety and interferes with relaxation. If you can use it occasionally， fine， but many people are addicted and will experience withdrawal when they stop. This is one obstacle to relaxation that is fairly easy to eliminate. If you cannot go without caffeine， try green tea. It is milder than coffee and has health benefits that coffee does not.