Stress is a word that is fairly new actually, around fifty years ago people didn’t use the word stress; it just didn’t exist as a word. There are many things in the world today that people use the word stress to describe. “My kids stress me out”, “My job is stressful”, “and I have a very stressful life”. The word stress actually means to place under a lot of pressure, but the word has become main stream for use as a description for everything that makes us sad, depressed, angry or tired. There are many ways that one can deal with stressful situations, there are also many forms of stress management today that you can look into and learn. There is even medicine for stressed out people, all which promise the same thing, “Your stress level will diminish”. But without argument the best stress management ideas are all natural ways. So without further a due here are the Louisville Natural Health Examiner’s 20 ways to manage stress naturally.
1- Think positively and surround yourself by others who think the same.
2- Avoid the trap of demanding too much of yourself. Get help if tasks are too big for you.
3- Accept that you cannot control any situation and learn to be flexible.
4- At the start of each day, write down your list of things to do, then set reasonable priorities.
5- Divide big tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.
6- Eat a well balanced diet, full of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Limit sugar.
7- Get plenty of sleep each night.
8- Include moderate exercise into each day to boost your energy level and improve your mood.
9- Make time for relaxation. Try listening to soothing music, meditating, gardening, playing with a pet, reading a good book, or doing whatever helps you to relax.
10- Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. They make matters worse.
11- Use mistakes and setbacks as opportunities to learn.
12- If possible, say “NO” to tasks that you know will be stressful for you.
13- Confide in at least one friend, and share your disappointments, as well as achievements’ with him or her. Talk things out so that minor frustrations don’t build up.
14- Be ready to admit when you are wrong.
15- Eliminate everyday sources of stress such as loud music playing or clutter in your surroundings.
16- Laugh! Look for the humor in life and take time to have fun.
17- Remember, it’s ok to cry.
18- Practice pranayama breathing or deep breathing. Get in a comfortable position. Take in a slow deep breath through your nose to the count of 5. Hold your breath for another 5 count. Then exhale through your mouth to the count of 5.
19- Prolonged sitting contributes to stress, so add activity to your everyday life by doing such simple things as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, standing or walking while on the telephone, etc.
20- Make anti-stress stretches a part of your day.
Some in the greater Louisville area might prefer a more traditional approach to stress such as anti-stress groups. The Positive Thinking support group can help.
For more information:
Web MD on stress reducing foods
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