Feeling Stressed About the Fall? Try These Stress Management Tips Today

As summer comes to an end, Labor Day arrives, and the kids go back to school, we can all start to feel a little stressed. But never fear, here are some quick and easy techniques to manage those stressful moments.

Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing. This exercise is a great way to center the body, control your thoughts, and soothe the nerves. Scientifically proven to help regulate heart rate, decrease anxiety, and decrease elevated blood pressure. To start, sit in a comfortable position. Place one hand on the chest and the other on the belly. Take a deep breath in by breathing in through the nose and then exhale through the mouth. Focus on the chest rising and falling, and the belly expanding and relaxing. Repeat for 1-2 minutes and focus on the breath cycles.

Upper Body Stretches. Sometimes stress and tension is displayed through tightening of the muscles. Many of us feel the most tension though the upper shoulders and neck area. But simple stretches can help relieve this tension. Start by sitting in a comfortable chair with the back support. Next place the right hand underneath the chair and grasp the edge of the chair. Then gently let the head fall to the left side. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side. Focus on letting the head and neck relax into the stretch.

Paced Walking. Sometimes our stress levels are so high that it's best to get outside and take a walk. Breathing the fresh air, reconnecting with nature and moving the body can all help reduce stress. To complete this exercise, put on a good pair of walking shoes. Try to take big strides, striking the heel and pushing off the toes. Use the arms and swing them at your sides as you take each step. Focus on the foot strike at each step. Walk for 10-20 minutes and focus on the pace .

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