You may feel agitated by the pressures of your life today. If you find that small irritations appear to intensify as your day progresses, you might try relieving your tension by engaging in gradual relaxation. Simply take a few minutes today to sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Inhale as you tense all the muscles in your feet. As you exhale, relax your feet and repeat to yourself, "My feet are completely relaxed." Repeat this exercise in every area of your body. You might notice that as your body relaxes, your mind will too. Using this type of relaxation technique allows your body to release the tightness it holds and gives you a sense of calm that could help you deal with tension more effectively.

Releasing the tension in our bodies allows us to better cope with the annoyances that arise in our everyday lives. Our minds often generate thought patterns that can embed themselves in our bodies. These thoughts can create physical tension, which then becomes a source of frustration. When we relax and release tension, we are better able to reduce our mental irritations and soothe our minds. We can then realize that we have the mental tools to work through any of life's minor frustrations that happen to come our way. By taking the time to relax your body today, you will find a powerful means to cope with stress.