Aware of the great importance of providing a solution to the increasing importance of stress in our society, a wide arrange of seminars, workshops, online courses, books, CDs, therapies, and other techniques are blossoming everywhere. Even though most of them prove to be beneficial and succeed in bringing relief to participants, they are mostly temporary solutions that unfortunately fail to provide long-term results. Following are some common stress-relieving techniques and their level of effectiveness:

External products (books, CDs, online courses, lectures):
They constitute a prime source of valuable information. They are better used in conjunction with other techniques since their effectiveness is normally reduced by lack of discipline, poor or no follow-up support from providers, or lack of interaction with a person that can encourage and guide participants through the process.

Physical therapies and exercising programs (massage, stretching classes, walking, jogging, gyms):
Despite their undeniable health benefits, these programs consistently fail since they can only work at a physical level, never getting to deal with the mental and emotional components of stress. Nevertheless they are excellent as part of a more comprehensive program.

Personal counseling (therapy; awareness seminars; team building programs):
Working at the mind level, they are crucial in understanding stress, identifying destructive patterns of behavior, and setting up the scenario for an overall change in attitude. Drawbacks may include dependency on facilitators, lack of call-to-action programs, steep costs, and supportive techniques to empower individuals. They become more effective when combined with a program of physical and mental activities. 

Mental and spiritual techniques (meditation; breathing; yoga, tai chi):
One of the most solid and effective solutions, these techniques are excellent for clearing the mind, relaxing the body, centering, providing balance, and helping participants achieve peace of mind. Seminars, lectures, and other types of personal interaction that raise awareness and provide information on stress bring a perfect complement and help enhance the effects of these techniques.