How to avoid a stressful life

Try one or more of the ideas below to get that stress free life:

Exercise
Exercising can give you instant stress relief. I prefer Tai Chi to walking or aerobics but whatever your preference just 'do it'. Yoga is another good activity that can quiet your mind. Yoga uses progressive muscle relaxation as a relaxation method.

Reading as a diversion
The Big-Ass Book of Crafts is a good example and can take you to another place, a place where you can forget your worries for awhile, and learn something new. Get out that favorite book that you haven't found time to read and sit in a quiet place and start on it. Don't have the time for books then pick up an interesting magazine and read a few articles.

Play
Do you do jigsaw puzzles or crosswords? Puzzle 3D Eiffel Toweris a good puzzle and it brings back some lovely memories of Paris. Maybe online games are your thing? These things occupy your mind so you don't dwell on your problems or worries.

Creative activity
A hobby or activity you are very interested in can be a great stress reliever If you draw, paint, cook, knit, weave, sculpt, potter, or some other activity then go and do it. It must be something you love to do and absorbs you.

Eating comfort foods
Foods can influence your stress levels. Eating complex carbohydrates causes the brain to release serotonin, a feel good chemical for the body. Chocolate contains flavanols may increase blood flow to the brain but choose dark chocolate for its extra antioxidant properties. Blueberries are high-fiber, low-calorie fruits that contain vitamin C and antioxidants that are good for combating stress.

Music Relaxation tapes, CDS, mp3s
Get out your iPod or mp3 player and listen to your favorite music especially relaxation ones. If you don't have one of these then put on a CD and let it play in the background. Relaxation music can give you stress relief especially if you relax while listening to them.

Writing
Get out a pen and paper or if you have it a diary or planner and start writing out your thoughts at this moment, don't try and dwell too much on what you are writing. Stop and look at what you have written. Think about what solutions for the stress you feel now and continue on to write those down too.

Laughing
Laughing can reduce stress instantly. Watch a comedy on TV or video, watch a funny video clip on YouTube or think of the funniest thing that has happened to you in the past and relive it.

Take a warm bath
Take a warm bath or get into your spa. Take a glass of wine and light some candles and dim the lights. Relax for 30 minutes or until the water gets cold.

Prayer and meditation
Prayer is a powerful thing for instant stress relief. You don't have to be in a church although churches and places of worship are very serene places generally. Meditation is also very effective as it slows your mind down.

These are some of the techniques I have found that work and I hope they work for you too.

St. Johns Wort has been used to treat nervous conditions since ancient Greek times. Clinical studies revealed that it can relieve anxiety and stress. Extracts are usually in tablet or capsule form, and also in teabags and tinctures.

Valerian Root contains chemicals with sedative properties to help with an improvement in sleep without morning grogginess or other side effects which leads to a greater overall sense of well being.

Chamomile has a wonderfully soothing, sedative and absolutely harmless effect. The Chamomile flower is brewed as a bitter herb tea infusion. It is also used for preventing nightmares.

To learn more about Herbal Stress Relief at Get Anxiety Help.com