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Stress Be
Gone
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
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The
past week and a half I have been fighting off a very troublesome flu, which explains my
absence. While I was doing everything "right" to get better, I watched as
my piles of things "to do" grew and grew.
The
stress of thinking about, "How will I get it all done?" loomed in my mind as I
tried to lift my head from the pillow long enough to drink my cayenne/lemon/honey
concoction (to bring on fever and rid me of the nasty
bug).
Pajama-free
and ready to tackle my piles, I came across a very helpful list of things to help
"rid" us all from stress. So, here's to my piles, your piles and
everyone's piles of things to do...Stress BE GONE!
Simple
modifications in posture, habits, thought, and behavior often go a long way toward
reducing feelings of stress and tension. Here are 8 quick and simple things you can do
immediately to help keep your stress level
under control.
1. Control Your Anger:
Watch
for the next instance in which you find yourself becoming annoyed or angry at something
trivial or unimportant, then practice letting go - make a conscious choice not to become
angry or upset. Do not allow yourself to waste thought and energy where it isn't deserved.
Effective anger management is a tried-and-true stress reducer.
2. Breathe:
Breathe
slowly and deeply. Before reacting to the next stressful occurrence, take three deep breaths and
release them slowly. If you have a few minutes, try out breathing exercises such as meditation or
guided imagery.
3. Slow Down:
Whenever
you feel overwhelmed by stress, practice speaking more slowly than usual. You'll find that you
think more clearly and react more reasonably to stressful situations. Stressed people tend to
speak fast and breathlessly; by slowing down your speech you'll also appear less anxious and more
in control of any situation.
4. Complete One Simple To Do:
Jump
start an effective time management strategy. Choose one simple thing you have been putting off
(e.g. returning a phone call, making a doctor's appointment) and do it immediately. Just taking
care of one nagging responsibility can be energizing and can improve your attitude.
5. Get Some Fresh Air:
Get
outdoors for a brief break. Our grandparents were right about the healing power of fresh air.
Don't be deterred by foul weather or a full schedule. Even five minutes on a balcony or terrace
can be rejuvenating.
6. Avoid Hunger and Dehydration:
Drink plenty of water and eat small,
nutritious snacks. Hunger and dehydration, even before you're aware of them, can provoke
aggressiveness and exacerbate feelings of anxiety and stress.
7. Do a Quick Posture Check:
Hold
your head and shoulders upright and avoid stooping or slumping. Bad posture can lead to muscle
tension, pain, and increased stress.
8. Recharge at the Day’s End:
Plan
something rewarding for the end of your stressful day, even if only a relaxing bath or half an
hour with a good book. Put aside work, housekeeping or family concerns for a brief period before
bedtime and allow yourself to fully relax. Don't spend this time planning tomorrow's schedule or
doing chores you didn't get around to during the day. Remember that you need time to recharge and
energize yourself - you'll be much better prepared to face another stressful
day.
I
hope this finds you stress-free and happy
Here's to
you!
Beth Aldrich
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