Stress! You can’t live with it and it seems you can’t live without it. There are healthy ways to relieve stress, or so we’re told, but
who really understands breathing techniques anyway? And let’s be honest, the sounds of the ocean crashing down upon you are eventually
going to send you into the bathroom for a nice little retreat. So how do we find time to de-stress in an over-stressed society?
That was my mission a few months back as I dealt with a few issues of my own. And one, I might add, that I didn’t have much success with
until my friend and I spoke on the phone. She listened to my issues, we prayed together, and once realizing that the issue was one that
only time could heal, she gradually changed the subject to things we could laugh about.
Sometimes, the simple act of friendship is the best medicine you could ever receive. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed and
your usual methods of de-stressing don’t work, call up a friend and immediately take a self-prescribed dose of friendship.
If your friend is too busy or unavailable during one of your stress-filled moments, however, consider de-stressing using one of these
proven methods:
- Listen to music.
Turn on Christian music and glorify God’s name in song.
- Take your kids out of school for a ditch day.
Sometimes one-on-one with your kids is the best medicine in the world.
- Ask your spouse to take a personal day.
Reconnecting with your better half, doing one of your favorite activities together, is a wonderful way to de-stress and develop
closer bonds.
- Work in your garden.
There’s nothing more relaxing than feeling the warmth of the sun on your back while you play with God’s creations.
- Take a mini-vacation.
Rent a nice hotel room for the week-end and leave all your cares behind. Sometimes, a simply change in location can add a new
perspective on things.
- Get artistic.
Creating something from your imagination allows you to use the other half of your brain and give you analytical side a nice, little
rest.
- Watch a comedy.
They say 15 minutes of laughter each day is a great way to release the tension associated with stress.
- Play a game.
Whether it’s a board game, a video game, or a physical activity, acting like a kid again can do wonders for your personality and
your health.
- Exercise.
You’d be surprised what a good jog, a nice bike ride, or even an aerobics activity, can do for your stress levels.
- Work on a hobby you haven’t touched in months—if not years.
You’ll be surprised at the joy that returns to your face simply by doing something you actually love to do.
- Declutter your life.
Decluttering your house, your finances, and your activities causes you to take stock of your life, put value on the things that
are most important to you, and helps you reconnect with the person within. It’s a great way to free the mind and feel as though you’ve
done something productive with your time.
- Spend A Night Alone.
Drop the kids off at the sitter, send hubby away on a fishing trip, and reconnect with your inner self. Take a long bath, get in
your pajamas, pour yourself a cup of java (or hot tea), get under the blankets, and snuggle up to a good book or read that stack
of magazines you’ve been putting off. You could even have a movie marathon with your favorite television series or films.
- Bake something.
Many times just the smell of freshly bakes goodies is enough to put your mind at ease.
- Try something new.
Feel alive by trying something you’ve always wanted to do but were either too afraid, or couldn’t find the time to fit in: dance
lessons, scuba diving, photography classes, etc.
The important thing to remember is that if you don’t deal with your stress, it will eventually explode and that explosion can cause
huge damage to your health, your relationships, and even your livelihood. In fact, a recent report stated chronic stress, or stress
untreated, could cause a multitude of health issues like: weight gain, memory loss, dissatisfaction with life in general leading to
depression and/or anger issues, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, arterial blood clots leading to heart attacks, tight muscles,
body aches, and decreased life span.
Whenever stress gets the better of you, give yourself a time out. Take five minutes to take deep breaths in and out, then rework your
day. Not only will your family thank you for it, but so will your health.
About The Author:
Alyice Edrich has been working from home, in one aspect or another, since the early 90s. She is the author of several
work-at-home e-books designed to help parents earn extra cash while spending more time with their children. Learn more at
http://thedabblingmum.com/ebookstore
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