Page 32 - Mangwanani Magazine June 2020 Edition

Six Easy Ways to Overcome Stress

The realities of everyday life, combined with uncertainties created by the global COVID-19 pandemic, could leave
you numb, or positively gnashing your teeth. Stress is normal. Every one of us will be stressed at some point,
sometimes more stressed than at other times. Instinctively, our bodies activate a ight-or-ght response. By means of
this action, our bodies release two hormones, namely cortisol and adrenaline. This results in your heart beating faster,
and you will breathe more rapidly. Along with this, you could develop muscle tension or headaches, or both,
impacting the way you feel, and negatively affecting your productivity.

Certain rituals, if closely adhered to, will help you to cope better, and will provide relaxation. Naturally, you can’t do much about
external stress factors, but you can choose how to react to them.

Start with a refreshing morning ritual Breathe. Simply breathe
Embrace each day with a morning ritual. Go out and stand Breathe deeply from your abdomen. This is such a simple ritual
on the dewy grass barefoot, watch the morning sunrise, or we forget to do when stressed. Still, to help you, take one hand
savour the moment, sipping slowing on a hot cup of your and place it on your lower abdomen. Next, inhale deeply
favourite tea. You will feel surprisingly invigorated and focused, through your nose several times. Hold your breath for a few s
putting you in a better frame of mind for managing whatever econds, then exhale through your mouth. Repeat this
life throws at you from then on. half-a-dozen times. There are also other breathing techniques
you can follow, such as blocking one nostril as you inhale, then
Don’t forget about the power of exercise blocking the other nostril. The principle remains the same: you
Exercise can counter stress hormones with feel-good hormones want to centre and come to a point of mindfulness, being
like endorphins. These hormones are more than mood aware of where you are; rather than focusing on the past and
elevators − they are the body’s natural painkillers. However, future, neither which you can control. Try to do this breathing
exercise is also a way of letting off some steam, mitigating ritual daily, as part of controlling your stress. You can use an
anxiety. You don’t have to go to a gym to exercise. Go for a hourglass to help you time this ritual. While you are de-stressing
brisk walk with your dog, a jog with a friend. You could even in this way, relax your shoulders, your facial features, and jaw.
simply turn up the music and dance. Alternatively, you have This will help you draw in that much-needed oxygen into your
the option of pulling out that yoga mat out if you want to take body’s cells, reviving them. You can enhance your breathing
a calmer approach. Whichever exercise ritual resonates well exercise by taking a sprig of mint or whatever herb you might
with you, is the one to select. Your body and mind will thank have. Tear the leaves and rub them in your hands. Hold your
you later.

www.mangwanani.co.za pg 29