Stress makes us tense, we try to relax and our minds begin racing. Have you ever wished you could calm those thoughts, lay back and be stress free? Mow you can, this article will show you how to relax and calm those racing thoughts.

Before you can begin to relax your body, you must first quiet your mind. Meditation is a very simple way to get those racing thoughts to stop. The point of meditation is to concentrate on one thing, one word usually, although some people prefer to watch the flame on a candle. One way to meditate is to repeat the word that you want to concentrate on. You exaggerate it, stretching it out like L-L-L-O-O-O-V-V-V-E. While you repeat the word you should breath slowly and block everything else out. This only takes a few minutes, your mind will clear then it's time to relax.

Easy stress busting ways to relax.

1 If your feeling overwhelmed with life and need to get away, take 5 minutes, find a quiet place, this can be a closet, a bathroom stall, or even your car. Close your eyes and focus on breathing slowly, notice how your body moves with each breath. After a few minutes of focused breathing you'll be ready to go again.

2 Take a bath. This is one of the top ways to relax and its so easy. Run a hot bath, light a few candles, turn on some soft music and turn the lights off. Lie back, close your eyes, and clear your mind. (Don't fall asleep)

3 Do yoga. Yoga relaxes your body while clearing your mind. Yoga helps you focus and put all of the stress and problems of the day out of your mind. An extra benefit, yoga helps with fitness and flexibility.

4 Get a massage. Even if you can't get to the spa, a simple back rub from your mate can help you relax a lot.

5 Take up a hobby or activity that you are interested in and will enjoy. You need a break every now and then some hobbies that you may enjoy are fishing, sewing, singing, painting, photography, playing an instrument, or crafts. This list could go on forever, just find something that interests you.

6 Cuddle with your pet. Talking to your pet or just petting them will help reduce stress.

7 Start a journal. Writing about your feelings helps you to release stress and get your thoughts out of your head. Writing is a very calming exercise.

8 Read a book. Often people fall asleep while they are reading. This is because reading is so relaxing, so relieve some stress, pick up a book.

9 Progressive muscle relaxation is another great way to relax. Begin by sitting comfortably in a chair, close your eyes and breath slowly, begin to relax every muscle in your body. Think about each muscle you are relaxing and work your way down to your toes.

Stress can have positive effects like keeping us alert and helping our bodies be ready to avoid danger. When stress becomes negative it is because you face continuous challenges without relaxing between the challenges. Continuous stress can lead to a condition that is called distress, which is a negative stress reaction. Distress can affect you physically with symptoms such as, headaches, chest pains, and sleep disturbances.

Relaxation is very important to our over all health. It is important that you find time to relax everyday even if it is only for five minutes.

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