Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Reducing Stress and Excessive Tiredness through Safe Zones

By Cecil Kelly

Everyday scientists learn more of the dangerous toll stress takes on the human body. Stress can be attributed to many serious health conditions. It is also one of the major causes of severe fatigue.

Stress can come from any number of things in your life. Deadlines, office politics, and pressure from the boss cause you stress at work. Bills, household duties, and family issues increase your stress at home. Stress can even be caused by happy events like planning a vacation or a family gathering. With stress surrounding you everyday, it is easy to let it take control of your life. It will drain your energy and leave you with constant tiredness.

If stress is causing your excessive tiredness, a great anti-stress technique is to create a safe zone. A safe zone is not as complicated as you may think. When done correctly, you will find that a safe zone is a tremendous way to decrease your stress and fatigue.

A safe zone is basically 70% mental and 30% physical. The first thing you should know is that a safe zone can be created anywhere, and works best where you are the most stressed. A safe zone can be in your office, your car, your kitchen, or anywhere else. In fact, it is better to create your safe zone where you are stressed, such as your office, instead of changing locations, like stepping out into a hallway. Changing locations sends a "retreat" signal to your brain that can actually increase stress chemicals. Instead, make a mental stand against your stress when it happens.

Your next step is to control your breathing. Breathing shallow signals "Danger" to your brain and increases your stress. Deep breathing signal "Safety" and reduces your stress. Plant your feet square on the floor and breathe slowly through your nose. Make yourself breathe deeper and slower with each breath. Try to focus on slowing your heart beat and releasing tension in your muscles with each breath.

Once your breathing is under control, start to clear your mind of any panicky, negative, scary, or tense thoughts. Think positive thoughts that are attainable. Try simple thoughts like "I will be okay", "This will be over soon", "I can handle this", or "Things will get better soon." Slowly you will feel yourself take control of the situation. You will feel safer, calmer, more rational, and can focus on resolving the problem without excess stress.

A safe zone can be a place to mentally retreat and regroup. It can be a miraculous refuge away from stress and will improve the way your brain responds in these situations. It will also help eliminate stress-related toxins in your system.

Once the amount of stress-related toxins in your system begins to decrease, you will feel better. You will also be able to control your stress, achieve your goals, and face your problems. In fact, the safe zone technique can not only give you more energy, it can improve your quality of life.

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