This week, we have focused on quick tips to help improve our daily lives by addressing several of the little (and big) obstacles we encounter on a regular basis, and today is no exception! In my world, there have been several changes that have all taken place within the last month, and I have become very aware of an increase in my stress level. While I know that this is only a temporary season, I find it helpful to review some healthy tips for relaxing both my body and my mind, as well as managing stress.
A handful of these ideas are actually things that I do on a regular basis, but it is definitely good for me to recognize that they are effective coping strategies for those days when everything seems to hit the fan at the same time! You can find this list for relieving stress in its entirety at webmd.com.
Write. It may help to write about things that are bothering you. Write for 10 to 15 minutes a day about stressful events and how they made you feel. Or think about starting a stress journal. This helps you find out what is causing your stress and how much stress you feel. After you know, you can find better ways to cope.
Let your feelings out. Talk, laugh, cry, and express anger when you need to. Talking with friends, family, a counselor, or a member of the clergy about your feelings is a healthy way to relieve stress.
Do something you enjoy. This can be: a hobby, such as gardening; a creative activity, such as writing, crafts, or art; playing with and caring for pets; volunteer work.
Focus on the present. Meditation and guided imagery are two ways to focus and relax your mind.
Exercise. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress. Walking is a great way to get started. Even everyday activities such as housecleaning or yard work can reduce stress. Stretching can also relieve muscle tension.
Try techniques to relax.
Breathing exercises — these include roll breathing, a type of deep breathing
Progressive muscle relaxation — this technique reduces muscle tension by relaxing separate groups of muscles one by one
Yoga, tai chi and qi gong — these techniques combine exercise and meditation which you can usually learn by reading a book or watching a video
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I find that excercise and shooting things helps me. Oh, and fishing.
Good tips and very needed!
All good suggestions. I found during a particularly stressful time that the artsy/crafty thing really helped me get my mind off my stressors get back on track.
Excellent tips… Living in the moment, creating a life full of little joys and learning to live with gratitude works for me. (that and taking a swim or a bath!)
pve
Who doesn’t have stress? I think that’s a BIG no one! Always good to remember the more imporatant and smaller things in life!
Exercise is great for stress!
Many times a good massage can help shut out the noises of our stressful lives. If massage is not for you, indulge in a facial. Once you find the right “therapy”, don’t procrastinate. Your mountain of stress usually melts along with those tight muscles.
After my brother died, regular visits with a good counselor and the occasional xanex are a big help.
Stress relief = a shopping trip to POTTERY BARN! Here’s hoping that I win your giveaway and get the opportunity!
If it doesn’t happen, I’ve got some great tips from you to fall back on! LOL
I love to sit in my shower and let the water run over me until it goes cold. It may not be the most environmentally correct relaxing tool but sometimes it is so needed.
um… i could definitely use some stress relief right now… thanks for the tips!
Great ways to deal with stress
Stress? Who’s got stress???? YIKES! Thanks for the tips – I need them!!!!!!!!!!
A quicky vaca is what i needed!
Thanks for the stress relievers! I am seriously considering massage and yoga for this school year!
Good ideas–for myself as a mom, these are needed!
Stress… something that I try in every way to avoid, yet that is impossible. My boyfriend of three years leaves for Afghanistan this Thursday and I’m trying in every way to be a strong woman. I am!!! Thanks for the tips they sure help!!!
Being a mother of two teenage kids and one who was just in an accident I need to release some stress, so I’ve just started walking with a dear friend. It does wonders for my body and soul. The other items are good advice as well and I think I will try to follow some.