We live in a high stress world and we tend to neglect ourselves. Nurturing one’s self is an intentional process that helps
us control the stress in our lives. Stress begins on an unconscious level, as a worry or a nagging thought that builds-up until physical symptoms begin to show. Ignoring those warning signs can have serious repercussions, including depression, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.We can use various simple relaxation techniques as for example breathing. Most people breath only on a surface level, filling only the uppermost portion of the lungs. Deep, or abdominal, breathing offers instant relaxation by delivering oxygen to cells throughout the body and eliminating toxins in form of carbon dioxide. Abdominal breathing is one of the easiest stress reduction tools. Another important technique is mindfulness, which is concentrating on the task on which one is working at a given time, no matter what the task might be. Society pressures us to do several tasks simultaneously and that lead us to stressful situations. We can concentrate for example in our breathing, reinforcing that worrying does not solve any problems. We also need to incorporate grace and gratitude into our lives, be thankful for all you have and do not devote time to worry for what is missing. Meditation is another technique that benefits us by slowing the heart rate and the breathing rate. Everyone needs self-time in which to rest and rejuvenate the mind. The most important task is to learn to control our thought process. We also should have in mind the importance of exercise and stretching. Exercise releases endorphins, the chemicals of the body that produce feelings of well-being. Yoga combines physical movements and stretching with breathing techniques and energy balance. Such diversity of benefits makes yoga the perfect exercise. Nutrition is an important factor as well since it fortifies our bodies and strengthens the immune system. It is important to follow healthy diets; it is suggested nutrient-rich fruits, fresh vegetables and whole grains. One should drink ample amounts of water to flush toxins and maintain hydration. These techniques help us to overcome the negative effects of stress by nurturing ourselves- mind, spirit, and body.