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Stress Relievers for Men

Almost anything in life can cause stress. But stress, in itself, is not a very serious problem.
Pankaj Chobharkar
It may create problems if you don't do anything about it. Increased competition, family and relationship matters, work tension, financial problems, deteriorating health, loss of a family member or friend, etc., are some of the most pronounced causes of stress these days.

Did You Know Stress is Good?

When your body detects an impending danger, difficulty, or problem, it releases certain hormones, the results of which are, increased heart rate, extra alertness, etc. This is called the "fight or flight" mechanism.
Once you decide whether to deal with the problem or to avoid it, your body returns to normal state. Problem arises when such situations start occurring over and over again, for longer durations.

Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety

Along with the familiar uneasy feeling in your stomach, stress can cause:

~ Headache
~ Insomnia
~ Indigestion
~ Irritability
~ Lack of concentration
It also affects the immune system, so you are more prone to infectious diseases, when you are struggling with targets. More serious effects of stress can include:

~ Heart rhythm irregularities
~ Angina (severe chest pain)
~ High blood pressure
~ An increased risk of heart attack and stroke
~ Sleep problems
~ Obesity
~ Panic attacks

Natural Stress Relievers

Unplug

Make it a point to unplug yourself totally for a couple of hours.
That is, clear your surroundings of every piece of technology. No cell phone, TV, computer, iPod, etc. Sit back and relax. It's the best way to fight off job stress.

Quit Smoking, Drinking, and Reduce Beverages

Most people know this one, but no one wants to implement it. While some people smoke and drink to "beat" stress.
These stimulants increase the heart rate and disrupt sleep, making the situation even worse. They weaken your immune system. This increases the risk of life-threatening diseases like cancer and liver cirrhosis.

Meditate

Meditation is a simple exercise for the mind. While meditating, your heart rate and breathing slows down, your blood pressure normalizes, and oxygen is used more efficiently.
Your immune system improves. Your mind also clears, and your creativity increases. By meditating regularly, you will find it easier to quit smoking, drinking, and drugs.

Exercise

Even a 30 minute walk everyday can be a great stress reducer.
Aerobics, dancing, kick-boxing, or swimming, take up any form of exercise and do it regularly. Exercise stimulates release of hormones. As you know, hormone imbalance can lead to various diseases and disorders. Stress severely affects the production of hormones. Participating in outdoor sports can definitely help lower stress.

Yoga

Yoga has been around for hundreds of years, and is a proven technique to get a healthier body and mind.
Though many books and videos guiding you on this subject are available, you should take advice from a certified Yoga trainer before using them. Breathing techniques like Pranayama work great for stress.

Music

Music is also a great stress relief technique. Research shows that certain audio frequencies can modify your brain activity.
We don't have to go into the scientific details to know that we feel happy after hearing a happy song, and sad after hearing a sad one. So try listening to something inspirational or pleasant before you sleep, and you will be a fresh man the next morning.

Laughter

Laughing lowers stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. So, spend more time in the company of your friends and family members. Play with pets and children. Basically do things that keeps you happy.
These are just a few of the stress relievers that work well. Some other ways to relieve stress can be spending more time in nature, getting a pet, developing hobbies (writing, dancing, drawing, gardening, learning musical instrument), talking with a friend, counselor, or a clergyman about your feelings. You can develop your own stress relief activities.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.