There are many ways to reduce tension and relax. Here are the ten stress relievers which are most effective for the amount of work and time involved. Some can be learned in the time it takes to read this page, while others take a little more practice, but there's something here for everyone!
1. Be optimistic: Remember situations are just what you make them to be. If you think you are sad and miserable, then that thinking makes it so. This is why maintaining a positive, cheerful and an optimistic outlook helps. What’s more, it can add years to life and life to years.



2. Take time to relax: In this paced, hectic world, it can be tough to pull over and relax. However, try and make it a point to relax. It just might make your life a little happier and longer. Since it relieves stress, and tension – two things that take both a big toll on life – relaxation is a great way to keep you healthy physically, mentally and emotionally.



3. Eat wisely and well: It may sound incredible to some, what with junk food being cheaper and more convenient. However, come to think of it, eating wisely isn't all that tough. All it takes is a little planning, discipline, and small portions when the stuff isn’t all that healthy.



4. Breathe properly: Deep breathing is one of the best and easiest stress relievers. It has tremendous benefits on the body, including oxygenating the blood that awakens the brain. In the process the muscles relax and the mind quietens down. Breathing exercises are so special because you can do them anywhere. They work so fast, so you can de-stress in a jiffy. Yogic breathing techniques (Pranayama) are great to begin with.



5. Take time to meditate: Meditation helps build on deep breathing, and takes you one more step forward. Meditation sends your brain to an area of functioning very similar to sleep, with added benefits you don’t achieve in any other state. Further, the mental focus on nothingness helps keep your mind from working overtime, thereby decreasing your stress levels.



6. Get a massage: The sense of touch is closely linked to one’s state of mind. In fact, it is fundamental to one’s overall sense of well-being. Work on this area by getting a massage from a friend or a professional. If neither is available, use a self-massager. It will work just as well in promoting blood circulation, releasing tension, and relaxing you more.



7. Listen to music: Music therapy has proven its bounteous benefits for all, including people with conditions like mild stress to terminal cancer. When dealing with stress, the right music actually lowers the blood pressure, relaxes the body and calms the mind.



8. Enjoy sex: Most of you already know perhaps that sex is a great tension reliever. However have you really thought of it as a stress-buster? You probably should. There are immense physical benefits to sex and most of them work very well as stress relievers. Unfortunately, a lot of folks have less sex when their stress levels are high. Try to avoid this trap.



9. Laugh a little more: The phrase "Laughter is the best medicine" may sound like an old adage. However, like most old maxims, this one holds a lot of truth. In fact, research has proven that laughter is a natural medicine, with the ability to decrease stress-related, psychosomatic illnesses. Laughter also has many of the physical and mental benefits of yoga, making it feel like yogic training for the funny bone.



10. Quit smoking: You know smoking is bad for health, what with so many "No Smoking" signs evolving into more of a life saving appeal than just a simple suggestion. Remember, giving up can prolong your life, giving a further fillip to longevity. So take a deep breath and a strong decision to quit now.