I am looking for stress relief?
Question:
Answers:
Exercise is a good stress reliever or just going for a walk. You could also pick up one of those stress balls from the store or maybe one that has the eyes that pop out. =P
Just make sure you get some good quiet time. You could drive out to the beach or a lake and relax for a bit. I hate to say it but park away from any kids!
Try doing activities you like. Also massages and yoga are really good for stress relief. Aromatherapy can work wonders and sometimes just vegging out in front of the tv can be good too.
Find a good honest, accepting friend who doesn't judge and likes listening. Then vent. Make sure you do the same for the friend.
if the stress is serious, runing your days etc., look for a biofeedback practitioner in your area. Check out what the Mayo Clinic has to say:
Coping with Stress
How can I change my lifestyle habits to manage stress better?
Get enough sleep: Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally. See Helpguide's Getting the sleep you need
Connect with others: Develop a support system and share your feelings. Perhaps a friend, family member, teacher, clergy person or counselor can help you see your problem in a different light. Talking with someone else can help clear your mind of confusion so that you can focus on problem solving.
Exercise regularly: Find at least 30 minutes, three times per week to do something physical. Nothing beats aerobic exercise to dissipate the excess energy. Physical activity plays a key role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress. During times of high stress, choose things you like to do. It also is beneficial to have a variety of exercise outlets. Be physically fit in ways appropriate for your age, rather than being sedentary.
Eat a balanced, nutritious diet: Be mindful of what you put in your body. Healthy eating fuels your mind, as well as your body. Take time to eat breakfast in the morning, it will help keep you going throughout the day. Eating several balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day will give you the energy to think rationally and clearly. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress. See Helpguide's Healthy Diet / Healthy Eating.
Reduce caffeine and sugar: Avoid consuming too much caffeine and sugar. In excessive amounts, the temporary "highs" they provide often end in fatigue or a "crash" later. You’ll feel more relaxed, less jittery or nervous, and you’ll sleep better. In addition, you’ll have more energy, less heartburn and fewer muscle aches.
Don’t self-medicate with alcohol or drugs: While consuming alcohol or drugs may appear to alleviate stress, it is only temporary. When sober, the problems and stress will still be there. Don’t mask the issue at hand; deal with it head on and with a clear mind.
Do something for yourself everyday: Take time out from the hustle and bustle of life for leisure time. Too much work is actually inefficient and can lead to burnout. Recognize when you are most stressed and allow yourself some reasonable breaks. When things feel especially difficult, take a walk or change your scenery. Most importantly, have fun. Do things that make you happy.
How can I change my thinking and emotional responses to handle stress better?
Have realistic expectations:Know your limits. Whether personally or professionally, be realistic about how much you can do. Set limits for yourself and learn to say “no” to more work and commitments.
Reframe problems: See problems as opportunities. As a result of positive thinking, you will be able to handle whatever is causing your stress. Refute negative thoughts and try to see the glass as half full. It is easy to fall into the rut of seeing only the negative when you are stressed. Your thoughts can become like a pair of dark glasses, allowing little light or joy into your life.
Maintain your sense of humor: This includes the ability to laugh at yourself. Watch a funny movie: the sillier the plot the better. The act of laughing helps your body fight stress in a number of ways. See Helpguide's Humor, laughter and health.
Express your feelings instead of bottling them up: In order to live a less stressful life, learn to calm your emotions. A good cry during periods of stress, or sharing your concerns with someone you trust can be healthy ways to bring relief to your anxiety.
Don’t try to control events or other people: Many circumstances in life are beyond your control, particularly the behavior of others. Consider that we live in an imperfect world. Learn to accept what is, for now, until the time comes when perhaps you can change things.
Ask yourself “Is this my problem?” If it isn't, leave it alone. If it is, can you resolve it now? Once the problem is settled, leave it alone. Don't agonize over the decision, and try to accept situations you cannot change.
Sit down and think about all the things that you do that is not a necessity and cut back on them. Then think of all the things that you enjoy doing: such as listening to music, reading a good book, watching a funny movie or comedy sitcom, go for a walk, spend some time with your family, friends and pets, play tennis or a sport you like to play or board games, or take a vacation and get plenty of rest and relaxation. Have a nice long relaxing bubble bath, and so on.
we all r honey
Tension from daily pressures causes stress. Some of the signs of stress are fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, headaches, dizziness, colds, infections, indigestion, pain in the neck shoulder or back, high blood pressure, and compulsive eating.
In order to cope with stress, a change in dietary habits may be helpful. Eating a diet rich with whole-grains, fruits and vegetables and low in refined carbohydrates, such as junk food and sugar, is beneficial.
Drinking alcohol and smoking drains nutrients from the body and aggravate stress. Smoking increases the effects of stress by over stimulating adrenal secretion, causing the blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to headaches. Caffeine increases the adverse effects of stress and should be avoided along with alcohol and smoking. Instead of taking these substances, use Siberian ginseng, which improves the nervous system and decreases stress and Lemon balm tea, a natural relaxant that can relieve stress. Both of these herbs can be found at health food stores.
Daily intake of Vitamin C, an antioxidant, helps boost the immune system and prevents stress related colds and infections. Other antioxidants that defend against stress-related problems are: Vitamin A, beta-carotene, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, and Selenium. These and other antioxidants are found in health food stores.
Aromatherapy reduces stress. Some of the essential oils that are relaxing and soothing are: Chamomile, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Tangerine and Ylang Ylang.
Stress can cause headaches, and a tightening of the muscles in the neck, back, and shoulders. A massage relieves these physical symptoms of stress by relaxing the muscles and improving blood circulation. Massaging the temples with the fingertips soothes nerves. Apply light pressure using a circular motion. A warm bath can reduce stress by relaxing muscles and increasing circulation. Bath for not more than 15 minutes in warm, not hot water.
Exercise is essential to reduce stress. Regular exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week, relaxes the body and decreases anxiety. Exercise can include walking, jogging, biking, swimming or aerobics. Yoga relaxes muscle tension and calms the mind through breathing and stretching exercises.
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