Everyone experiences stress, and while some people can easily handle all the pressure, others can easily break down and succumb to fatigue, too. Therefore, knowing at least one stress reliever method can be a lifesaver.

•    Deep breathing
Breathing exercises are one of the easiest to do, because you can pretty much perform them anywhere and anytime. Deep breathing oxygenates the blood, and relaxes the muscles and the mind.

•    Exercise
Exercise has many benefits such as weight loss, increased stamina, and physical fitness and health, among others. Exercising produces endorphins, hormones that induce happiness. Exercise is also an outlet for frustrations.

•    Journaling
Keeping a journal or a diary is a form of stress management. You not only log the events of your life, but you explain them in minute detail, expressing your feelings and emotions, which you wouldn’t or couldn’t normally be able to. Journaling is similar to therapy.

•    Laughter
Laughter is probably the easiest stress reliever. Laughing reduces levels of stress hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol, dopamine, epinephrine, and growth hormone. It produces endorphins and other hormones and cells that promote a stronger immune system.

•    Meditation
Meditation allows your brain to “sleep” while the body produces hormones that promote health and relaxation. Resting the mind by focusing on one or nothing at all can also decrease the level of stress. Yoga, which is one of the oldest and most popular meditation techniques, is a combination of meditation, deep breathing, movement, and imagery.

•    Music
Listening to relaxing and soothing music is ideal for most people, but as musical tastes vary, just about any genre will do, provided the listener will feel relaxed instead of being stressed out more. Listening to the right kind of music can relax the body, calm the mind, and lower blood pressure.

•    Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Tense and relax the muscles in your body so you can relieve tension and be relaxed in just minutes. Tense all the muscles in your face for ten seconds, and then relax for another ten seconds. Continue this exercise with your neck, shoulders, and so on.

Abstaining from vices such as smoking or drinking can help you cope better with stress. Other relaxing hobbies such as taking a walk, planting in a garden, or reading a good book are other ways of relieving stress.

You do not need to do many or all of the suggested. One stress reliever technique will do, as long as you keep to your practice and perform them properly.