Help! Five Stress Relief Tips You Can Use Right Now

Need stress relief NOW? Can't make it another moment? These stress relief tips will help you get through the moment.

Take a break from whatever it is that is pushing you over the edge. If a meeting is out of control, excuse yourself to the restroom. Are your kids pushing your buttons? Send them to safe places and get away to a separate room where you can think. Is your partner being overly emotional? Ask your partner for some time to clear your head. In a long-term stressful situation? Schedule a day off. Just by taking action to get away from the source of stress, you'll feel your stress level going down. Make good use of that break.

Breathe deeply. Deep breathing automatically lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, both of which are linked to your body’s stress response. Focus on nothing but your breath as you breathe slowly and consciously. When you feel relaxed, you can try to deal with the stressor once again.

Gain perspective. Consider if this situation will matter in a week or month or year. Is your livelihood at stake? Your friendship or marriage? Your health? Remind yourself of parts of your life that are stable. Look for solutions. Figure out what your responsibility is.

Come up with a course of action. Using the new persepctive you've gained, plan out what you can do to help solve the problem. Refuse to take responsibility for the things you can't do anything about, make concrete plans for things you can do, and let the rest go.

Re-engage with a positive, relaxed, proactive attitude. If others are still stressed out when you return, try to help them see there are solutions. Look for ways to talk them down off the ledge, seeking common ground and solutions.

It’s important to manage stress for optimal health. If you often find yourself in stressful situations, research stress relief programs and methods.