In the fast paced life of today, few things are certain. However, one is consistent across the board for all- stress. It may be because of little things but as it collects, it centres itself across certain stress points in the body and slows down the mind.

While stress is not a phenomenon that can be avoided, it is definitely one that can be checked and kept under control. This is important since stress is the cause of long term health conditions and is responsible for accelerating the body’s aging mechanism.

What should one do to combat stress?

The first step is undoubtedly to accept that stress will inevitably come your way. But this acceptance is not intended to be complacent, it is to ensure that you take proactive measures to ensure your own well-being in the short and long term.

This has to do with introducing lifestyle changes that can impact your mind and body in subtle ways but effectively improve the quality of your daily life. One such lifestyle change is meditation and relaxation techniques.

These have the potential to thoroughly change your mood and physical upkeep, hence let us go over 10 meditation techniques that can help you reduce stress.

1- Guided creative visualization

Guided creative visualization involves following sounds and voice to create a mental image of a peaceful environment or retreat to help the mind relax. While it is advisable to start out with guided visualization, with time one can become independent and perform them entirely by themselves.

2- Muscle Relaxation

This technique involves progressively tensing up the muscles across the body one by one, and then gradually releasing the pressure you have been holding onto.

3- Simple Yoga

Yoga is often a word that makes people think they’re about to undertake an exceptional endeavour but yoga is rather simple as there are endless poses and just practicing a few a day can help significantly bring down stress.

4- Tai Chi

Like many incredible Asian knowhows that come our way and transform how we live, Tai Chi has the potential to reform your life. It is a slow and rhythmic progression of body movements, similar to a dance form, which is truly meditative in nature.

5- Relaxing music

While rock music changed the world as we know it, it is a good idea to listen to some soft music, classic pieces by Ludovico or bach, or traditional instruments and folk songs. These often have a tendency to wash away what thoughts are in one’s mind and re energize them.

6- Deep Breathing Techniques

Deep breathing techniques arose as a part of yoga, but have come to find their own reputed place. Deep breathing while keeping the mind free of judgement or thought helps improve concentration, physical health, and has advantages of stress management.

7- Mindful meditation

Mindful meditation has unmatched potential to lower stress by controlling the levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood. It involves an awareness of the present and denial to distraction such as thought of the past or future. It involves being aware of just the moment while breathing deeply and relaxing the body in a comfortable position.

Ritika Tiwari
Freelance Writer/ Blogger/ Content Strategist