Tips for Managing Stress
First, understand that stress is the mind / body response to an external event (the stressor). This is empowering because in many cases, we can choose responses that will work better than worry, anxiety, and helplessness.
Take a good look at what is causing you stress. Determine what you can do something about, and what you can't. Focus on the first category. For example...
In the immediate, breathe... slowly and deeply. Deep breathing signals the brain chemically and thus controls your body's response to stress. In addition to breathing, our thoughts affect our brain chemistry. Did you know the average human being has about 60,000 thoughts a day? You can learn to use this ability to create a sense of calm.
In addition, try focusing your thoughts more toward solutions than problems.
Look objectively at your life, and determine what needs to change in order to be as good as you can be. Decide on a plan of action for anything that is stressing you. Make a plan to deal with it, rather than obsessing about it.
While continuing to breathe deeply, do an ear-to-shoulder "neck roll" and other simple stretches. This releases immediate tension.
Throughout the day, pay attention your thoughts / language. So many stress-related illnesses are psychosomatic; i.e., problems in the body resulting from negative thoughts / behaviors. Don't let anything / anyone be a "pain in the neck".
Find a way to express your feelings through writing, talking, or art.
See if you can find something to laugh about. What a wonderful endorphin-releasing-stress-reliever laughter is.
Choose to be kind at every opportunity. It won't make matters worse, and will usually help you feel better. Studies have shown that kindness results in an increase of serotonin.
Wake up to something inspirational -- not the news.
Try yoga or other body-movement exercises.
Avoid stimulants and alcohol. Instead drink plenty of water and eat nutritiously.
Get 20-30 minutes of vigorous, daily exercise, such as a brisk walk or run.
Take a break from the electronic noise. Find time for silence every day, even if it's only 5 minutes.
Meditate or pray. Using silence and deep breathing, tune in to your values and beliefs as a way of making the mind-body-spirit connection. As the verse in Proverbs tells us, "as you think, so shall you be". With 60,000 thoughts a day to invest, this means we can get control of how we feel.
Go outside and notice one of nature's miracles.
Listen to music that calms you or makes you feel good.
Rest. The body and mind must have "down-time" to function optimally. A pattern of pushing yourself beyond exhaustion will adversely affect your health.
Ask for help if you need it. Everyone does at some time in their life.
Be good to yourself!
