Stress-LESS Tip 1

Steps to reducing stress in your life by Dr. Doris Raymond, PhD.

Step 1: BECOMING AWARE

• Check your body from head to toe for any areas that are tense and tight.
• By continually scanning your body, you will soon become aware of the tenseness just as soon as it starts.
• You will also become more aware of the way your body feels, both when it relaxes and when it is stressed.
• If you are not aware, you canʼt change it.

Step 2: FIND AND RELEASE

• FIND: As soon as you find an area that is tense, analyze why that area is tense and what you can do about it.
• RELEASE: It could be something as simple as altering the way you are sitting, or you could be clinching your jaw and simply need to lower your chin.
• If your shoulders are beging to climb up to your ears, lower your shoulders.

Step 3: BREATHE

• If tension is in breathing or more internal, you may need to think about that area for a moment and do a quick exercise.
1. Take a deep breath.
2. Hold it
3. Let it out slowly through your mouth
4. Lower your chin so that your teeth are not touching
5. Lower your shoulders.
• Teeth should not be touching except when you are chewing.
• You may need to remove yourself to a quieter area for a few moments and do a slightly longer exercise.
• This little exercise can be done multiple times a day as you find yourself tensing up for wahtever reason.

The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Nourish This site. Recipes and information provided on the Nourish This site are for personal use only.