Bust stress in 3 minutes or less

 STRESS BUSTERS

October 16: Bust Stress in 3 Minutes or Less Stress management does not need to be complicated. Simple strategies can often be the best way to get you through a challenging situation. Use these mini-relaxations from Harvard Health for a quick fix in stressful moments! When you've got 1 minute... Place your hand just beneath your navel so you can feel the gentle rise and fall of your belly as you breathe. Breathe in. Pause for a count of three. Breathe out. Pause for a count of three. Continue to breathe deeply for one minute, pausing for a count of three after each inhalation and exhalation. When you've got 2 minutes... Count down slowly from 10 to 0. With each number, take one complete breath, inhaling and exhaling. For example, breathe in deeply, saying "10" to yourself. Breathe out slowly. On your next breath, say "nine", and so on. If you feel lightheaded, count down more slowly to space your breaths further apart. When you reach zero, you should feel more relaxed. If not, go through the exercise again. When you've got 3 minutes... While sitting, take a break from whatever you're doing and check your body for tension. Relax your facial muscles and allow your jaw to open slightly. Let your shoulders drop. Let your arms fall to your sides. Allow your hands to loosen so there are spaces between your fingers. Uncross your legs or ankles. Feel your thighs sink into your chair, letting your legs fall comfortably apart. Feel your shins and calves become heavier and your feet grow roots into the floor. Now breathe in slowly and breathe out slowly.   Mini-Relaxation Exercises: A Quick Fix in Stressful Moments