It's Your Life April/May 2015 | Page 14

14 It’s Your Life Don’t keep your feelings bottled up. Release your feelings - cry, pray, write in a journal talk with a friend, your pastor, or a professional counselor when you feel overwhelmed. They can help you find ways to deal with your stress before it becomes a chronic health problem. Meditation, deep breathing, practicing relaxation techniques, and listening to soft soothing music can help reduce stress and break the cycle of negative thought patterns. Many studies show that meditation can help reduce stress and regulate mood swings. Take 10-20 minutes to sit quietly and focus on taking slow deep breaths, this can help reduce stress and improve cognitive functions. Get a massage. Studies suggest massage therapy can reduce stress and alleviate muscle tension that not only red Ս