When I notice I am stressed out, the stress does not evaporate magically with a snap of my fingers. I wish it were that easy. Stress training is something we need in life. However, thanks to my consistent meditation practice, my relationship with stress has changed. Most times I can reverse course without wasting a whole day letting stress affect me. These actions are becoming better over time, and I am by no means perfect at instant stress reduction.But I would like to tell you about what works for me.

Reduce stress with the following practical ideas

Taking a walk.I am not pretending this is a top-secret tip.Perhaps everyone just needs a reminder.Physically leaving the premises from a stressful situation, such as walking my dog, always lowers my stress level.

Listening to meditation music. This one has never failed me.I fire up some binaural meditation music with my headphones to get my brain on-baord with my intent to de-stress.

Practice a pranayama breathing exercise.Specialty breathing exercises are very effective.Stress makes people hold their breath, that leads to many additional negative physical responses when your body needs oxygen the most. Doing a focused breathing exercise triggers your body to start relaxing, and with your focus on your breathing it is away from the situation that caused the stress to begin with.

An additional strategy for help with stress is "real-time observation of myself". This is something that occurs for me now that I have been meditating for awhile.It doesn't occur every time but its great when it does occur.

In a stressful situation I can step outside of my brain, so that I am literally observing myself have a mini-tantrum or argument, and then fortunately step back into my brain and calm the hell down.This sounds odd to tell you about but its what occurs. Perhaps this is what is meant by esoteric Buddhist meditation texts that talk about "the observer becomes the observed"? I don't know, but causing life situations to get the best of me is motivating enough for me to become present and get a grip.

Sometimes stress busting is as simple as focusing on your breathing or taking a walk. Don’t let these tools simplicities make you think they lack power. You can read more about stress training to find different techniques you might like.