AEROBIC EXERCISE: This is associated with a lower resting heart rate and reduced risk of hypertension, muscle tenseness, depression, anxiety, obesity and stroke; a midday aerobics program is a powerful stress reliever.
BACK RELAXERS: Stretching and strengthening exercises can alleviate lower back pain produced by muscular tension, stress and poor posture; a few minutes of exercise can relieve symptoms in 80 percent of all back- pain cases.
BIOFEEDBACK: Blood pressure, muscle tension and skin temperature can lowered when the subject concentrates on relaxing; this may reproduce hypertension, relieve headache and diminish other symptoms of stress and anxiety.
IMAGERY: This technique is similar to one that athletes use to improve their performance; individuals imagine themselves in pleasant or relaxing situations to improve their sense of relaxation; this is also an effective treatment for hypertension.
JAW RELAXERS: These can reduce or eliminate bruxism, an unconscious grinding and clenching of the teeth that are symptoms of stress and result in facial pain, toothache, periodontal disease, displacement of the teeth, locking of the jaw and muscle spasms.
LOW-STRESS POSTURE: Poor posture can result in mechanical imbalance that lead to muscular tension, headache, dizziness and joint damage; improving sitting and standing postures can increase respiratory capacity and lessen the chance of developing spinal deformities.
MASSAGE: MEDITATION: This can effectively such symptoms of stress as muscular tension, hypertension and anxiety; it can also promote sound sleep in people who suffer from chronic stress-related sleeping disorders.
PROGRESSIVE RELAXATION: This powerful relaxer has been shown to reduce systems of bronchial asthma, hypertension and anxiety; it may also reduce chronic pain as well as headache.
SLEEP POSITIONS: This involves tensing and relaxing major muscle groups from the face to the toes; it has been shown to lower high blood pressure and reduce feeling of tension and anxiety.
STRETCHING: These take pressure off the spine and promote relaxation, special support is needing or watching T.V in bed because improper neck and back support often induces tension and makes it more difficult to fall asleep.
TAI CHI: This consists of dance like movements designed to promote good physical and mental health; it instills the feeling of calmness; it is an exercise for every part of the body.
WATER RELAXATION: This involves either suspension in a flotation tank or floating in a warm, calm saltwater pool; it can decrease the presence of stress hormones in the blood, lower blood pressure and ease muscle tension.
YOGA: Practitioners are able to decrease heart rate, respiration and certain brain-wave activities to achieve deep relaxation without inducing drowsiness or sleep.
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