Everyone has days where they lose their focus, where things are happening too fast and the stress level is rising, carrying the frustration level with it.  Knowing that, however, doesn’t make them any more pleasant.  What you really want is a way to quickly refocus and dump the stress.

There are many books, magazines, and other places to find ways to reduce stress in your life, but what about things that you can do in just a minute or two, not things that require a change in the way you live your life?  Well, you’re in luck, because today I’m going to list a few ways that you can release stress and refocus in less than 3 minutes.

And now, with no further introduction, 5 quick ways to refocus and release stress:

1. Quick Breathing Exercises

   Breathing exercises are a VERY useful tool for refocusing.  It’s even a good idea to do a really quick breathing exercise before using the other techniques listed here.  The idea is simple… adjust your posture to something approximating proper posture, but still comfortable, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing… breathing deeply helps, but isn’t necessarily required.  Focus on the feeling of the breath coming in and the feeling of it going out… a lot of people neglect the exhale, but it’s where a lot of the relaxing happens.

2. Visualization

   This is a great technique, too.  All you do is close your eyes and picture yourself somewhere that is peaceful for you.  I like the mountains or the beach for this, personally, and I usually picture myself alone… but it should be wherever you feel safe and at peace, and with whomever brings that feeling, as well.

3. Smells

   Remembering smells can help you to relax, but it works even better if you can find something with the smell that brings back fond memories.  You might try a candle (you don’t even have to light it), a spray, or a perfume/cologne, depending on what smells make you feel comfortable and safe.  Don’t worry about what is sold as relaxing, pick something that brings comforting feelings to you.

4. Drifting

   Letting yourself mentally drift for just a couple minutes can really unburden you.  This one is definitely one that can stretch to over 3 minutes if you let it, but can offer considerable relief when limited to 3 minutes, as well.  This is one that works especially well with #1… do #1 for a few seconds, and then move to this one.

5. Stretch

   This is one technique that can’t really be applied everywhere, and is another one that can stretch (Get it?  Stretch… sorry, I love bad jokes/puns) to more than 3 minutes.  Given that you have the space to do it (and won’t offend people), however, stretching can release a lot of tension, especially if you pay attention to your breathing while doing it.  For keeping it quick and not bothering other people, I suggest rotating your head, shrugging your shoulders both backward and forward, and doing a quick tighten and release on each major muscle group… tighten it while breathing in, hold it 3-5 seconds, then release it as you breathe out.

Now, when you’re having one of those days (and how appropriate that this article is coming on a Monday?), you can use one of these methods to quickly get back into the swing of things, renewing your focus and shedding stress and frustration.

PS – If you have more quick relaxation techniques, please let me know in the comments… I’m always looking for new ways.