Body Tension Activities that Soothe Stress at Any Age

When you’re under stress, you experience tension in your body, especially in your muscles. This muscle tension keeps them from relaxing in the manner they are designed to function. That why it’s important to find body tension activities that soothe stress.

This is not a physical condition, but is a physical reaction to the emotional fallout that’s caused by stress. This is why you can have backaches when you’re stressed – or stiff shoulders or neck pain.

Your body is taking on your stress. Because stress is absorbed into your body, it can cause the aging process to accelerate. There are activities that you can do, no matter what your age, that can soothe your stress.

Meditation is one of those activities. Even if all you can do is practice it for 10 minutes, it will still help as it allows your body to relax. It also relaxes emotions. People who meditate are better able to control anxiety and stress.

Practice deep breathing. Deep breathing calms the central nervous system and reduces stress. Do something fun like dancing. Dancing results in the release of endorphins, which are the feel good hormones,so not only does it relax you emotionally, but it also causes your muscles to unclench so they relax, too!

If you don’t want to dance, take a walk. Being outside can help relieve stress. Even if all you do is walk around your neighborhood, it still helps, because this act causes a rise in serotonin.

Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, is a mood booster, so you feel good physically and emotionally when it’s released. Play with your pet if you have one. Research shows that animals relieve stress because the interaction with them causes your body’s level of cortisol, the stress hormone, to lower.

Explore a new place or even your own area. Take a hike on a nature trail or play tourist in your own city. Studies show that spending time in nature not only lowers your body’s response to stress, but also boosts your immune system, relaxes your mind and gives you energy.

Grow flowers or vegetables in an indoor garden. This has the same effect as being out in nature. It boosts your mood and at the same time, it relieves stress. Keeping your hands busy nurturing and growing plants can also help keep a positive mindset.

Listen to music. Music is a well-known stress reliever for both your body and your mind. You can enjoy music at home or you can find a concert to attend; look up a local band and go hear them play.

Find something to laugh about. This might be a movie or a video, but laughter can ease body tension in your muscles, while at the same time limiting your stress reaction, lowering blood pressure and boosting endorphin production.

Use aromatherapy. Certain scents relax the muscles and lower stress. Eat some dark chocolate. This delicious treat is known to lower the amount of cortisol produced by stress; lowering your cortisol levels helps relax your muscles. Aim for chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa and not so heavy on sugar.

We all experience stress in our lives. The key is to find ways to manage it that work best for each of us.

I’m Nutrition & Wellness Consultant Cheryl A Major; how may I serve you in your quest for optimal mental and physical health?

Cheryl A Major

Cheryl A Major lives in Westford and is a Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant. Her TV show, Thin Strong Healthy, airs on WestfordCat and is an offshoot of her blog http://ThinStrongHealthy.com Cheryl offers ongoing information, live and online courses and personal health coaching to help you feel better and be healthier. Follow Cheryl on Twitter @CherylAMajor. She is also a full time residential Realtor with Coldwell Banker with more than 25 years experience.

Cheryl’s book, Eat Your Blues Away is available now on Amazon and this January in Whole Foods Markets. She is busy writing her next book, The Major Method!