Wellness Coaching helps individuals practice healthy habits. It deals with mental and physical health, and promotes overall wellbeing. There are many spheres of well-being. One is stress and anxiety.
Let’s talk about stress. Stress is an emotional feeling or physical tension. It can come from a specific event or 
thought; it can leave you feeling frustrated, nervous, anxious, or mad. If stress is not addressed, it can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or other harmful diseases.
Give your stress wings and let it fly away. -Terri Guillements
Reduce Stress
There are many ways to reduce stress. One of the easiest ways, which we have already covered is exercise. Exercise reduces adrenaline and cortisol, the body’s stress hormones. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, mood elevating chemicals. You can make this easy by going on a walk. You will have a change of scenery, fresh air, and exercise.
Here are some other stress relieving options
- Reduce caffeine intake
- Chew gum
- Journal
- Exercise
- Stretch
- Meditate
- Spend time with friends and family
Relaxation Techniques
Guided imagery is taking a short vacation in your mind. You can involve imaging being in your happy place. This is different for everyone. It may be the beach, on a mountain, in your room, etc. What do you hear, see, smell, feel?
Muscle Relaxation involves relaxing all your muscles. Think of your body in sections (upper, lower, limbs), then relax each section. Take a few deep breaths, tighten and relax each muscle. You should be able to feel your muscle tension relaxing away.
Meditation brings stress relief and stress management benefits. This involves focusing on your breathing. 
Changing the way you breathe can make a big difference to your overall stress level. Taking deep breathes, focusing on YOU, and clearing your mind can help calm your body.
Try this. Breathe in through your nose, fill yourself with air, count to 3 as you inhale, hold your breathe for a second, then slowly let your breathe out through your nose as you count to 3.
Now, if you want to fully relax and reduce stress, try the above three relaxation techniques together.
Do your meditation breathing, while visualizing your guided imagery, and relaxing your muscles. There is a lot to focus on and it can take time to master but think of how relaxed you will be.
During this year, 2020, and the holiday season…many people may be experiencing stress. If you are experiencing stress or feel overwhelmed, try some de-stressing techniques. If these do not work, reach out to talk to a friend, or counselor. Stress can make you feel overwhelmed. Be stronger than yourself to overcome your stress. If you have a friend or family member experiencing stress, reach out or help them find the care they need.