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You may have heard many times that stress relief activities benefit mental health. But, what exactly does that mean? Before fully understanding why you should practice stress relief for mental health, it would be helpful to discuss what mental health is.
Oftentimes we think of mental health as simply the absence of mental illness. But, this is far too simple a definition. Instead, let’s think of mental health in terms of the presence of a few things. For example, mental health includes the ability to make sound decisions, form healthy and successful relationships, the ability to be resilient against adversity, the ability to create balance within our lives, and other qualities that enable us to function at an emotionally and behaviorally stable level.
Stress can affect our mental and emotional stability by creating an imbalance that causes us to react with tension and anxiety. This tension is not only taxing on the mind, but the body as well — it can make you feel mentally and physically depleted. Other mental effects of stress include the inability to concentrate, confusion, irritability, anxiety, mood swings and difficulty making decisions. Unresolved mental stress can result in more severe problems such as depression. This is why it’s so important to practice stress relief for mental health.
The following stress relief techniques are great for relieving mental stress:
Yoga. This is a wonderful exercise that combines meditation, breathing and poses that relax the mind and body. There are many styles of yoga, and if you are new to this form of exercise, you should look for a beginner class. Yoga is a great stress relief technique that is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Meditation. If you are not used to meditating, try starting with 5 minutes a day of sitting quietly focusing on your breathing. The object is to quiet your mind and let it rest. If you have trouble focusing on your breath, pick a mantra or saying that puts you at ease and repeat it to yourself. Taking a few moments for yourself will leave you feeling more peaceful.
Reading. Curling up on the couch with a good fiction or non-fiction book is a great way to distract your mind from the daily vexations of life. Reading also provides an escape from your routine and gives your mind and body a chance to rest.
The next time you find yourself under pressure and feeling tense and anxious, remember the benefits of stress relief for mental health and practice one of the stress relief techniques above for a more peaceful way of life.
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