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When stress occurs- short term strategies

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The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.

William James

For short-term relief from perceived stress, various techniques of relaxation can best be used with the application of relaxing music. The selection below is in no way conclusive and is only intended to give the interested reader an overview and serve as inspiration for further study.

  • autogenic training
  • mrogressive muscle relaxation
  • meditation
  • yoga
  • breathing exercises (prananyama)
  • fantasy journeys and visualizations
  • qi gong and tai chi
  • rehearsal
  • aikido

According to psychological research, visualization in particular has proven to be successful. When people focus on the positive aspects of a situation, they focus more on the possibilities. Finally, by thinking positively, you achieve a task or result that otherwise seemed out of reach.

However, in addition to practicing the relaxation techniques mentioned above, engaging in nature in the sense of taking walks, tending bonsai or other plants, and ikebana (the art of Japanese flower arranging) has also proven successful in alleviating stress for short periods of time.

Researchers determined that cognitive scores were 61 percent higher in green buildings (buildings/interior with a display of plants). Furthermore skills in crisis response and strategic thinking were higher in green buildings with better air quality/ ventilation (above 100%).

To support this relaxing activity, many people use the knowledge and expertise of aromatherapy when performing the above activities to further improve the relaxing effect. Here, lavender, lemon, bergamot, ylang ylang or even jasmine have proven their worth.

Nevertheless, it should not be misjudged that the simple form of distraction, for example, watching a pleasant movie (humorous films are particularly suitable) or practicing a hobby can also be useful.

We can shift our attitude in a more optimistic direction, no matter our natural inclination, with time, energy, and effort.

Catherine A. Sanderson