Along with impacting our pocketbooks, the rather dismal state of the economy is severely impacting our psyches, as well. The American Psychological Association (APA) recently conducted a study that revealed that eight out of 10 Americans are experiencing significant stress because of the economy, which is a 14 percent increase since April 2008. This statistic is bad news for businesspeople. High stress leads to such ailments as depression, problems sleeping, high blood pressure, digestive problems, skin disorders, and more. While there is no sure-fire solution for solving the financial crisis, there are some steps you can take, both at home and on the road, to reduce your stress levels and those of your meeting-goers.

Breathe Easy
When you breathe deeply, it flushes oxygen through your system. And more oxygen means reduced tension and anxiety. Take three breaths in and breathe one out. Start out doing this practice in 15-second increments, gradually increasing your time by five seconds until you reach a full minute. Weill says this energy-boosting exercise will help you feel invigorated and more aware.

Inhale Soothing Scents
Beyond deep breathing, aromatherapy, the inhalation of healing fragrances, can be a powerful antidote to a difficult day. Among the top scents for relaxation and calming are chamomile, jasmine, lavender, rose, vanilla and ylang ylang.

Catch Some Mid-Day ZZZs
Most experts agree that eight hours of sleep are ideal for optimal health. The problem is that most of us, particularly in the midst of business travel, don’t have time to catch up on all of our beauty sleep. The solution? Consider a quick cat-nap. Most meetings do provide attendees with some down-time throughout, so encourage your meeting-goers to take a 15- to 30-minute nap.

Eat & Drink Regularly
When you get busy, it’s easy to forget to eat and stay hydrated. But noshing regularly on healthy meals and snacks comprised of fruits, vegetables, lean protein will keep your blood sugar levels consistent and allow for greater concentration and focus. Similarly, drinking water throughout the day (try for eight glasses) will keep you hydrated.

Work It Out
The American Council on Exercise says that one of the most effective methods of stress relief is exercise. While working up a sweat may be the last thing that stressed out, exhausted meeting-goers may feel like doing during a meeting, don’t underestimate the power of getting the blood pumping.

Self-Spa Techniques
You don’t have to schedule a spa appointment get the blissful benefits. According to Northwestern Health Sciences University, there are a number of spa-like techniques you can employ when feeling tense, including:
• To soothe your scalp, place your thumbs behind your ears while spreading your fingers on top of your head. Next, move your scalp back and forth slightly by making circles with your fingertips for 15 to 20 seconds.
• To relieve eye pressure, close your eyes and place your ring fingers directly under your eyebrows, near the bridge of your nose. Slowly increase the pressure for 5 to 10 seconds, then gently release. Repeat two to three times.
• For a reduction in sinus pressure, place your fingertips at the bridge of your nose and slowly slide your fingers down your nose and across the top of your cheekbones to the outside of your eyes.
• To eliminate shoulder clenching, reach one arm across the front of your body to your opposite shoulder. Using a circular motion, press firmly on the muscle above your shoulder blade. Repeat on the other side.

Thousands of years ago, King Solomon was said to have helped his followers through times of difficulty by adopting the motto, “This too shall pass.” This mantra is equally true today, but as we’re all waiting for our troubles to pass, take time for some stress relief techniques that can make the journey smoother.

From Smart Meetings Author: Julie Keller, January 2009

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