Your ability to take a few minutes out of a hectic day can spell the difference between frenzy and tranquility, and if you have been experiencing severe stress, it might mean the difference between a long life and a shortened one.

First, What You Don’t Need

People have long used drugs (prescribed and otherwise!) and medications to achieve certain effects. I’m not knocking all of these substances–some of them probably live up to their mystique; however, there is no need to engage in drugs, considering there are so many other ways to effectively reduce stress.

Amidst the flurry of reports from medical researchers, many people also rely on a glass or two of wine each day to relax. If this is your habit, and it works for you, you’re probably on reasonably safe ground. Who am I to argue with medical researchers? I’m concerned, however, about the long term affects of having, two glasses of wine, 365 days a year, for 10 or 20 years.

Heatin’ Up

You’ve been in a hot tub, and know that it does offer the sensation of relaxation. By elevating your body’s temperature for longer than a few minutes, you could be doing more harm than good. Heating pads have also been popular for several decades. For one night, for an adult, your probably okay. Heating pads and all other devices run by electricity, however, emit electromagnetic waves which could be harmful to cell reproduction.

Forget Bio Dots and Stress Cards

You may have seen a device sometimes referred to as a stress control card, or a biofeedback card, about the size and shape of a credit card. Don’t bother with these–variations in your skin’s temperature render them highly misleading.

Stuff That Works

It often seems like people around you are enamored by some techniques such as meditation or yoga, but in reality, most people who practice these or other techniques do so a handful of times, or the length of the one course they signed up for. Then, they revert back to what they did previously.

The changes that you implement need to come without too much pain, to be subtle, even natural and easy. Otherwise, you probably won’t stick with them. Lasting and effective change can come from small incremental change. So, keep in mind that not every technique will strike your fancy. Enough of them will fit your lifestyle, and will work for you enough of the time for you to stay with them and to ultimately exercise control in ways that you have always wanted to.

Prayer

Since people first believed in gods and God, prayer has been an effective method for soothing the soul. For some people, the payoff comes with sitting still, and being quiet. Many feel a direct connection with God which, in itself, is calming. Those who attend a place of worship every Sunday find that praying with others is comforting. Reverence to God, fellowship, familiar chants and hymns can all aid in reducing stress and bringing inner contentment.

If you haven’t prayed in a while, in addition to the religious aspects, the stress reduction can be magnificent. Even if you never attend a formal prayer service, informal prayer, by your bedside, in a comfortable chair, or somewhere in nature can work as well.

Some of the most accomplished and admirable people who have ever walked this earth have been deeply religious and have found great comfort in prayer.

Talking to Someone

The act of talking to someone about issues confronting you can be stress reducing, and certainly more effective than mentally stewing over things alone. In The Psychological Society, author Martin L. Gross concluded that “the modern industry of psychology in America was no more effective in treating patients than witch doctors in Africa were in treating people who came to them.” The key was whether or not the patient believed that the doctor had healing powers. Hence, if you believe that a witch doctor can help you, then a witch doctor can be as effective as a psychiatrist. A trusted friend or relative, with whom you can discuss your problems, can be equally effective.

The idea of talking to someone about what is stressing you is not so much that you will find a solution then and there, but that the mere physical act of discussing the stressor moves you closer to resolution, perhaps using one of the techniques discussed in this article.

Using Humor

Throughout the ages, humor has also been a primary tool in helping to reduce stress. Please don’t discount the power of humor before trying it. If it’s been a while, or forever, since you’ve engaged in humor to reduce stress, you’re in for a treat. I’m not talking about jokes or side-splitting belly laughs, but rather, a gleeful, playful acceptance of the inane and absurd situations that you encounter. Most, but certainly not all of the trials and tribulations that you face, have a flip side to them, something that’s:

• weird,
• wild,
• witty, or
• wacky enough, for you to crack a grin.

The ability to laugh at yourself or to laugh at your situation may spell the fundamental difference between people who show resilience in the face of hard times, and those who face nervous breakdowns.