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Stress Reduction Techniques

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), stress can be defined as the body and brain’s natural response to demand, adjustment, or change. Everyone experiences stress and over 75% of those in the United States report experiencing stress daily. Research shows that the three most common factors leading to increased stress are finances, work, and health concerns (physical or mental health). Stress can cause physical changes including increased pulse, heart rate, sweating and/or muscle tension. Stress can also cause mental/emotional changes including heightened anxiety, racing thoughts, crying spells and/or panic attacks. Utilizing stress reduction techniques lessen the negative effects of stress.

 

Stress itself is not always harmful or bad. Stress can increase motivation to prepare or perform, such as students experiencing stress before an exam or an applicant having stress before an interview. Stress can aid in protection and safety, such as experiencing stress in a dangerous situation. Stress can become problematic when it impairs abilities to function or live a happy and healthy life.

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Benefits of Stress Reduction Techniques
Decreased anxiety, panic, and stress.
Increased focus, concentration, and energy
Decreased irritability, frustration, and anger
Stress reduction techniques may provide additional benefits including increased confidence and self-esteem.
Decreased muscle tightness, strain, tension, and aches
Healthier heart rate and pulse
Regulated body temperature

How Stress Reduction is Incorporated at Harmony Bay

Our clinicians at Harmony Bay are trained in a variety of stress reduction techniques, which they, in turn, teach our patients. Stress reduction techniques may require practice to increase comfortability and effectiveness. Stress reduction techniques can include:

Writing

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Journaling and creative writing about your thoughts and feelings.

Exercise

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Engaging in exercise such as yoga, running or going to the gym.

Self-Care

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Practicing self-care and taking care of yourself is vital. Engaging in self-care practices such as taking a hot bath or getting a massage can alleviate tension and anxiety.

Meditation

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Meditative practices such as mindfulness and guided imagery/visualization can relieve anxiety, relax the mind, and bring focus to the present rather than focusing on the past or future.

Breathing

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Breathing exercises such as deep breathing, paced breathing or squared breathing can aid in regulating the nervous system and calming the body.

headache 1200 × 657 px

Journaling and creative writing about your thoughts and feelings.

iStock 1217573427 scaled 1

Engaging in exercise such as yoga, running or going to the gym.

iStock 1282217915

Practicing self-care and taking care of yourself is vital. Engaging in self-care practices such as taking a hot bath or getting a massage can alleviate tension and anxiety.

iStock 1201798756

Meditative practices such as mindfulness and guided imagery/visualization can relieve anxiety, relax the mind, and bring focus to the present rather than focusing on the past or future.

iStock 1141695665

Breathing exercises such as deep breathing, paced breathing or squared breathing can aid in regulating the nervous system and calming the body.

Learn more now!