The secrets of people who are always relaxed
<p>It’s no secret that stress can have a negative effect on our bodies and our minds. Prolonged or severe stress has even been linked to a range of health issues including low mood, poor sleep quality, appetite problems, and even heart disease and high blood pressure.</p>
<p>Whether it’s work, financial, family, or health issues, we can all suffer from stress from time to time – but have you ever noticed that some people seem to handle it better than others?</p>
<p>These are some of the secrets of people who always seem to be Zen.</p>
<p><strong>They do yoga</strong> – Yoga may help to relieve stress in both the body and the mind, by stretching out the limbs and helping calm our thoughts. It’s a great way to wind down before bed after a busy day.</p>
<p><strong>They meditate</strong> – Ban distracting, stressful thoughts by practising meditation once a day. Sit up straight with your feet crossed in front of you. Close your eyes and focus your thoughts on one specific positive mantra – everyone has their own – and breathe deeply.</p>
<p><strong>They breathe</strong> – The stress-reducing “humming bee” breathing technique is used in yoga. Imitating the sound of a humming bee can help to clear the mind and enhance concentration. Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes, close your mouth and keep teeth apart. Breathe in and then out, slowly and deeply whilst humming for a calming effect.</p>
<p><strong>They laugh</strong> – Laughter may help to lower stress hormones in the body, which is why you can feel so great after a good chuckle. </p>
<p><strong>They exercise</strong> – Not only does it help to lower blood pressure, reduce the chance of developing heart disease, and help <a href="http://theblueroom.bupa.com.au/caring/stay-independent/five-simple-exercies-for-stability-and-flexibility" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">maintain stability and flexibility</span></strong></a>, but exercising may also help to relax the mind. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, hormones that can boost your mood, increase feelings of wellbeing and help you feel more positive and energised.</p>
<p><strong>They live in the now</strong> – Worry and stress tend to go hand in hand. Planning ahead is one thing, but worrying too much about the future, or fretting about the things you cannot change from the past, is a sure-fire way to stress yourself out. Instead, try to <a href="http://theblueroom.bupa.com.au/healthier/mental-health/mindfulness-and-life-enjoyment" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">focus on each of your actions and senses</span></strong></a> in the present, to help reduce unnecessary self-inflicted stress.</p>
<p>They mind their diets – When your body feels good, you feel good. <a href="http://theblueroom.bupa.com.au/healthier/healthy-eating/food-and-mood-do-they-go-hand-in-hand" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Eat a well-balanced diet</span></strong></a> that includes food from all the main food groups including vegetables, fruit, lean meats and poultry, fish, legumes (beans etc), and low fat dairy products.</p>
<p>They take time to relax – Make time for relaxation. Don’t overfill your calendar and don’t be afraid to say “no”. Be sure to dedicate time specifically to your own relaxation, and if possible, try to take regular short breaks or a longer holiday at least once a year.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://theblueroom.bupa.com.au/healthier/mental-health/quick-tips-to-help-you-relax" target="_blank">Struggling with stress? Try these quick tricks to keep calm.</a></strong></em></span></p>
<p>THIS IS A PROMOTIONAL FEATURE</p>
<p><strong>Related links:</strong></p>
<p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/health/caring/2015/08/video-about-meditation/">This video will change your mind about meditation</a></span></strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/08/start-exercising-when-youre-older/">Start exercising at any age</a></span></strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/finance/insurance/2015/07/colouring-helping-adults-destress/">How colouring is helping adults de-stress</a></span></strong></em></p>
