Stress has always been a part of the human condition. Years ago, humans used the majority of their time to satisfy their basic needs, food, shelter and security. This left them little time to stress about anything else. Today, most of us are fortunate to have our basic needs met, allowing us more time, to perhaps overthink or worry.

Stress can play a positive role in our lives, acting as a motivator, an incentive for change, and presence of mind. But it is important to identify where stress affects us negatively and how to act on reducing the tension, even eliminate the source if possible. If we do not allow ourselves the opportunity to destress, it will likely find its way to the physical body.

After polling a group of students about stress in their bodies we noticed some patterns. The onset of stress triggers negative symptoms in different areas in each of us. Symptoms were intensified when ignored, but, when we dealt with the tensions, they were greatly reduced or eliminated.Here are some common areas where stress is felt in the body and how you can address those real symptoms of stress.

Here are 8 effective ways to reduce your stress levels:

1. Regularly check in and identify when you feel negative stress or anxiety.

2. Remove the stressor if possible.

3. Leap in and take charge of the stress when possible.

4. Let go of the worries where you have no control.

5. Deal with any remaining stress by releasing it through physical and/or passive activities.

6. Talk about it with someone you trust.

7. Pick a style of yoga to accomplish your goal. For example, take a vinyasa or power flow class to physically release stress, or practice gentle yoga and meditation to release it passively.

8. Practice engaging the root chakra, Muladhara, (located at the base of the spine, the pelvic floor, and the first three vertebrae) in your yoga class to provide a foundation for your practice and allow you freedom to release and destress.

Incorporating these practices into your daily life will likely reduce or remove stress, stop a negative stress cycle in its tracks and prevent the buildup of multiple stresses over time. And it’s easy when you do something that brings you joy.

When working on issues related to your physical and mental health it is always best to consult with your care provider prior to making any lifestyle changes.

With Gratitude,

SUSANNE HAMAJ