Relaxation Techniques to Reduce Stress and Anxiety There are many different kinds of relaxation techniques for mental stress and anxiety and many people have their own way of dealing with the problem. Some listen to music, play sports, or even draw and paint just to relieve their anxiety and nervous tension and give themselves chance to relax for a little while. Then there are arts such as tai chi, reflexology, aromatherapy, massage therapy. Meditation is a popular and effective technique to try as is yoga. Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce or eliminate stress and hence anxiety. Stress creates energy that needs to be used. Exercise is the way to use it. The easiest place to start is with things like hot baths and deep breathing and then progress from there. Controlling your breathing is an easy effective technique. Deep slow breathing has a calming influence on your physiology and has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety. Sit quietly in a comfortable posit...
An intrusive thought is an unwelcome, involuntary thought, image, or unpleasant idea that may become an obsession, is upsetting or distressing, and can feel difficult to manage or eliminate. (source: Wikipedia ) Common examples of intrusive thoughts include unwanted, intrusive thoughts about the safety of oneself or others, causing distress, and thoughts of performing dangerous actions. These thoughts may lead to negative behaviors, which may increase vulnerability to future experiences of trauma. Intrusive thoughts have been linked to recent life stress, sleep deprivation, prior anxiety, and childhood abuse. The state of depression , suicidal ideation, or anxiety may also be caused by the release of stress hormones. Analysis of studies in subjects who had experienced prolonged periods of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found that intrusive thoughts and flashbacks are associated with greater than 50% of symptoms, especially memory fragmentation. Intrusive thoughts often occur ...