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5 Tips to Decrease Stress

04/27/2022

If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious, hit the pause button, try one of these calming tips.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month-a good time to learn some techniques to help decrease stress, influence emotions and engage in self-care.

These evidence-based exercises can bring you towards balance by decreasing the stress response and calming the body and mind. Everything is connected—the thoughts you think are related to the feelings you have and the sensations in your body. Slowing down your breathing helps to slow down your mind and body.

5 Quick Steps to Lower Stress

#1 Steady Breathing 

Using a breathing exercise can bring you towards balance by decreasing the stress response and calming the body and the mind down.

Everything is connected—the thoughts you think are related to the feelings you have and the sensations in your body. Slowing down your breathing helps to slow down your mind and body. 

#2 Box Breathing

#3 Self-Holding 

woman practicing self-holding breathing exercise to lower stress

If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious, try “self-holding.”  

When caught up in the swirl or chaos of big feelings, expectations, or events, take a few moments to be still and quiet

#4 Grounding 

When caught up in the swirl or chaos of big feelings, expectations, or events, take a few moments to be still and quiet. This could be in the form of prayer, meditation, journaling, or simply sitting in stillness and noticing what you notice. Think of it as allowing the snow to settle in the snow globe. 

#5 Engage your Muscles

If you are able, find something to engage your muscles (try 12 repetitions)

Hold this pose long enough to notice your muscles engaged.

Notice how it feels. Notice any changes. Take some deep breaths.

About SouthLight Healthcare:

Founded in 1970, SouthLight Healthcare is one of the area’s largest nonprofit providers of substance use treatment and mental health services. SouthLight partners with individuals and communities to provide innovative treatment solutions delivered with compassion and dignity. With outpatient and community-based programs, SouthLight provides prevention, education, and treatment services in the Triangle and beyond. Call 919-787-6131 for help or more information or visit www.southlight.org.