Three Quick Ways to Cut Your Stress

Whether you’re directly affected by current economic changes or not, chances are the uncertainty is stressing you out. If not, it’s probably stressing out someone you know, and that can rub off.

Life is always hectic, so whether the outcast is sunny or less so, having a few quick stress-busting techniques on hand can make a real difference in your mood, your outlook, and your productivity.

Stress-Buster #1: Belly Breathing

When you get stressed out, your muscles tend to tighten up. This creates subtle changes in your posture, your gait, and your breathing. It can lead to back pain, headaches, and a cycle of increased stress.

Here’s what to do. Sit down in a chair with the best posture you can muster. Imagine a string coming out of the top of your head, lifting you up so that your spine is nice and straight. Now place your palm on your diaphragm and breathe deeply, using that muscle to pull the breath in. Exhale by relaxing the muscle and letting the air flow out naturally.

Take five deep belly breaths and your bound to feel better.

Stress Buster #2: A Musical Interlude

You can approach this in one of two ways. You can put on some calming, classical music and focus on matching your heartbeat and breathing to the music. Or you put on something with a beat that matches the stress your feeling and either do jumping jacks or dance.

Either way, you’re sure to feel calmer when you’re through.

Stress Buster #3: Stop and be Grateful

Gratitude is one of the most calming, positive emotions you can feel. When people and work are pulling you in every direction, stop for 30 seconds and focus on something that makes you feel grateful. Whether it’s the blue sky, the first signs of spring, a picture of your children, or a car you love to drive, just take a moment to appreciate it.


Stress can derail your day. It interferes with work, makes relationships more difficult, and disrupts your sleep. By consciously taking steps to counter the stress you feel, you’ll have a happier, healthier day.

Stay well,
Danny Wallace