Instinctive Reactions

We have instinctive reactions to these colors and respond individually to their effects. When a particular color soothes our senses for example, it helps us become calm. Of course, it may be difficult to label the specific effects of different colors on us, but though this should not be counted as a hindrance in using colors as part of the stress reduction therapy.

Although it can also cause people to start dreading things, gray colors can be used in stress reduction therapy to induce a sense of positive anticipation in the mind of the patient. Even the  colors in the surroundings in which a person lives in can elicit different reactions. A person living in Africa would feel more happy when surrounded with bright shades while a person living in England would be averse to the gray colors because this always signifies impending bad weather for them.

However, there are some colors that generally help in eliciting similar responses in most people and so can be used with a certain degree of certainty in any stress reduction therapy. For one, dark blue is known to be a color that has a more becalming effect on the beholder and so it can help to make a person feel more relaxed and rested. In effect, using dark blue colored walls in your bedroom can be considered a useful means for stress reduction therapy.

Red, orange and yellow are energizing colors and thus can be used in stress reduction therapy to help those who are feeling lethargic and devoid of energy. However, these colors should not be used in stress reduction therapy when the patient is feeling too tired and extremely stressed-out.

What is important for us to remember is that colors in stress reduction therapy have different effects on different people and even varies according to the patient’s energy level, the state of mind as well as their state of health at any given point of time.

Another simple method of reducing stress is listening to stress reduction CDs. An example of such stress reduction CDs is the one known as “Insight CD”. It has been proven to be quite effective in reducing stress as well as improving sleep. Trying it out may be a good thing.

Start With a Exercise

Exercise in an indispensable component of any relaxation and stress reduction program. About half an hour spent on a good exercise, especially cardiovascular, will prove to be an excellent way of relieving stress. In fact, any activity that demands a good deal of physical exertion is enough to get relief from stress. Activities such as walking, jogging, biking, and swimming are good components of any relaxation and stress reduction program as they do not only improve your physical condition but also help you become more calm and relaxed, thereby effectively reducing stress.

Getting a good amount of sleep is another very important component of a good relaxation and stress reduction program. Sleeping is one of the body’s way of recovering the energy that it has spent throughout the day. Without adequate amount of sleep, normally at least eight hours daily, the human body and mind become depressed, fatiqued, and stressed.

Proper diet is yet another vital component in every relaxation and stress reduction program. Eating healthy foods will make your body fit and able to withstand greater amount of pressure. Taking in the right nutrients will put your body in good condition and will therefore keep stress at bay.

Alcohol consumption leads to the body feeling overly stressed. Limiting, or better yet avoiding, alcohol intake is a very good way of ensuring that your relaxation and stress reduction program gives you maximum results.

Of course, even the best relaxation and stress reduction techniques will do you no good if you do not identify the source of your stress in the first place. Hence, save some time off from the world and spend a few moments with yourself. Perhaps only then will you be able to determine the root cause of your stress and be ready to get into a good relaxation and stress reduction program.