How To Enjoy Life More While Reducing Stress Levels

More and more people are suffering from an excess of stress in their lives. Quality of life declines when stress is too much too handle, and in the current difficult economic climate, stress-related illnesses are on the increase.

But sometimes, it seems so hard to find ways to keep stress at a manageable level. It's great to chill out on holiday, but that doesn't solve the issues you face every day. It's natural to want to enjoy a high-quality life and you are no doubt, trying to do all the right things to make it happen and yet, hard as you try, perhaps you dont always feel as good about yourself or experience the peace and calm you feel you should.

Well, help is at hand. There are ways that cost nothing, or very little, that will help to take the edge of excess stress on a daily basis. Why don't you enjoy trying them out.

It's a great idea to spend some time alone every day. Even if you can just give this practice 10 minutes, it's worthwhile. Aim to do nothing, just sit quietly in your room or take a short walk. If you live with others, do explain to them that this is part of your way of managing your stress levels and not a reflection on them.

2.GIVE yourself a newspaper free week and see if it makes a difference to you. If you would like to read, then choose a magazine that reflects something you love to do or think about, or a book that will entertain you.

3.GIVE yourself a spa evening once a week a luxury low-cost take on early night with a hot bath routine. Dedicate a couple of hours before bedtime to yourself and share with a partner if that works for you.

You could ask someone else to cook or buy some easy to prepare foods for the occasion. Switch off the TV and instead, try some calming Tai Chi or Yoga exercises (look on YouTube for ideas). How about chilling with the lights down, some music and a warm drink? Invite your family in too - just learning to 'be' with people without having to do anything, is a great contribution to family life. When you have run your bath, you can add 3 or 4 drops of essential oil of lavender or your favourite bath luxury. Warm the bath towels and if you like to, have some candles lit in the bathroom (always taking care never to leave them unattended or near to anything flammable). If you prefer to shower, add some lavender oil to the water in the shower tray so you can inhale the soothing aromas.

4.EXPERIMENT with going to bed 20 minutes earlier than you usually would do, and getting up 10 minutes earlier. You might like to try having your alone time before you sleep as well, so that your brain has a chance to unwind.

5.REPLACE two caffeinated drinks (if you drink caffeinated drinks) during the day with mineral water and/or a de-caffeinated version of your favourite drink. Make sure you are drinking your daily 8 glasses of water in one form or another.

You deserve to live a happy life. Don't let too much stress take the joy out of every day living. Why don't you choose one or two of these ideas and begin experimenting with them now. Find out what works for you - and enjoy the difference.