How to Reduce Stress

In today's busy world, stress has become a common occurrence. Our lives are jam-packed with responsibilities, headaches, and deadlines. Since anything that overwhelms us can cause stress, it is no wonder so many of us are stressed out.

Some people are more vulnerable to stress than others. For some, ordinary daily decisions can seem insurmountable. For these people, deciding what to wear to work can be a seemingly monumental dilemma. At the other end of the scale are people who literally thrive under pressure.

If you suffer from stress, there are a number of methods you can use to help ease your stress level. Since chronic stress can cause headaches, depression, and a host of other complaints, learning how to reduce stress should become an important part of your life.

WAYS TO BEAT STRESS IN YOUR LIFE

*Eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as foods that are low in fat. A healthy body is better able to deal with stressful situations.

*Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine. Many of us reach for a cup of coffee to calm our nerves. However, caffeine increases anxiety. Next time, try herbal tea made with chamomile or valerian and CUT DOWN on the caffeine, especially in the evening.

*Avoid alcohol, another crutch that many of us use. Alcohol only masks the symptoms and makes them worse.

*Aerobic activity such as vigorous walking is one of the best ways to reduce stress and improve overall quality of life. Walking, for me, is the quickest way to relieve my stress level. Find a friend to walk with you if you don't want to walk alone.

*Go outdoors whenever possible. A little sunshine and activity can have an amazing effect on your entire outlook towards life. Your improved attitude will also have a positive effect on your family.

*Aromatherapy can be a tremendous help for alleviating stress. Put a few drops of lavender oil in a warm bath or put a few drops on a cloth and inhale from time to time during the day.

*Give yourself permission to be a kid again. What did you enjoy when you were a child? Draw, paint, dance, read, play the piano, or ride your bike.

*Try deep breathing exercises. Get a weekly massage. These are wonderful ways to alleviate anxiety and stress.

*Allow yourself the freedom to express yourself without worrying that someone will not like you. As adults, we forget how to just relax and enjoy life.

*Never set unrealistic goals and expectations for yourself. Many of us set ourselves up for defeat before we even begin. Whatever your goal is, allow sufficient time to reach it and realize occasional setbacks may occur. Remember, expectations and reality are often two entirely different things.

*Take a deep breath and count to ten when you are facing an unpleasant circumstance, before saying or doing anything. Taking a break has a calming effect and gives you extra time to reassess the situation before acting on impulse.

The most important thing I have learned is that it is okay to say 'no' occasionally. If you have difficulty saying 'no' to the people in your life, remember, YOU CANNOT BE ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE. Before you can meet other's needs, you must first meet your own needs. Make time for yourself, your number one priority.

Once your own needs are met, things that used to seem overwhelming will soon become unimportant, causing you to wonder what the crisis was in the first place. Not only will you be less stressed, you will be healthier, happier, and far more ready to face whatever obstacles come your way.

All of us suffer from unhappiness or discouragement at one time or another. It can be very difficult sometimes to maintain an encouraging outlook. However, there are a number of things we can do that will help us find more happiness and satisfaction in our everyday lives.

CHANGING YOUR ATTITUDE

*Be positive. When things do not happen according to plan, do not become discouraged. Always look at what you have done. Never focus on what you have NOT done.

*Make an effort to change the way you view the world. Always try to look at the bright side of every situation and always expect happiness. Your mind may try to drag you down with negativity but don't allow that to happen.

*Think of solutions, not problems. No matter how long and how much you worry about why you have a particular problem or what caused it, you will not solve the problem unless you start thinking about solutions.

TIPS TO INCREASE HAPPINESS

*Each day do something good for yourself. It can be a small thing such as buying a book, eating something you love, watching your favorite program on TV, going to a movie, or just taking a walk.

*Each day do at least one thing to make others happy. This can be a kind word to someone who is having a bad day, giving your seat in a bus to someone else, or giving a small present to someone you love. The possibilities are infinite. When you make someone happy, you become happy.

*Laugh. Yes, it sound simple but sometimes it can be terribly difficult. Laughter has a way of making even the darkest moments a little brighter. Laugh long and hard. Lose yourself in the moment.

*Listen to relaxing or uplifting music. Close your eyes and think about all the things in life you are thankful for; your family, your friends, your job, your pets, your talents, your abilities, the list can be endless.

*Start a journal. You don't have to write in it every day but it's a good way to be aware of your thoughts and feelings. You may be surprised at what goes on in your head!

*When situations do not proceed as planned, make an effort to stay detached. This will help you stay calm and control your reactions. Detachment has to do with inner peace, not indifference, and inner peace is conducive to happiness.

Each of us has different techniques and ideas that help us find happiness and pleasure in our lives. Use your imagination. Any technique that relaxes you or makes you smile puts you a step closer to attaining peace and joy.

A wonderful resource full of natural ways to reduce stress, depression and anxiety is Conquering Stress, information that will teach you how to change your outlook on life.

You will learn how to enjoy life as it should be enjoyed. Instead of dreading to get out of bed each morning, you will learn how to greet each day with joy.