Find out what worries you and free yourself of stress forever.

Living permanently under pressure is unbearable. Sometimes this pressure comes from outside, but it is often we ourselves who set ourselves standards, hold certain biases and obligations providing no let up and keeping your heart in your mouth.

Stress causes insomnia, wrinkles, high blood pressure, heart problems, headaches, backache, and digestive problems and makes you unhappy.

Learn not to be so demanding and reduce your stress with these five tips:

1. Breathe!
   Consciously, inhale deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth. It will improve the supply of oxygen to your body as well as blood flow.
   Practice abdominal or diaphragmatic breathing. Breathe in through your nose, sending the air to the abdomen and checking to see if it swells. Hold in the air for a few seconds and then breathe out and let your stomach fall.
2. Smile!
   Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, but by simply smiling, although forced, you stimulate the brain and release endorphins which help you to forget about anxiety and feel better. If you laugh in the company of others, the results are even better.
3. Practice mindfulness! 
   In other words, devote your full attention to meditating, think about or enjoy the present moment. Just like children when they play and forget about the rest of the world. You will then know when you need to think and not react immediately when faced with a new situation.  Make a list of things that make you anxious and why, and try to see how you can avoid those moments or redirect them in order to avoid negative reactions.
4. Relax!
   Gather together all the music that moves you, learn how to break free of your problems for a while and relax your mind and body.
   Do conscious contraction exercises with muscle groups and release energy when relaxing them. Listen to music that stimulates you, or go for a walk somewhere that impresses you and makes you feel positive.
5. Get active!
   Do some exercise at least three days a week. It will help you sleep better, you will feel a pleasant sensation when the endorphins are released and you will improve your self-esteem because you will be happier with your appearance, feel stronger and it will help you control your weight.

Try to be happy and enjoy the little moments. They are the most comforting.

This post is also available in: Spanish