On 2009-07-30 19:21:19,
EllaMcAllister wrote this entry.
5 Tips to Help Manage Stress
Everyone has stress. In today's times you do not need to look far to find a stressful situation. It could be worrying about your kids, or your finances. It could be trying to manage multiple projects with not enough time to do it all. Work, family, and money issues are at the top of many peoples lists for worry and stress. So, how do you react when stress enters your day? Are you able to roll with the punches? Or does anxiety keep you from enjoying life? Take a moment for yourself and look at these 5 tips to help keep your stress under control:
1. Sleep more. It’s very common in our society to exist on less than 6 hours of sleep a night and yet the experts report that our bodies need at least 8 hours of sleep each night. We need to rest not only for our bodies, but to rejuvenate our minds. “Tired” and “cranky” seem to go hand in hand. Make your bedroom a haven, a place to relax and escape the day. A hot cup of tea, a warm bath, or reading a paperback may also help you unwind.
2. Have faith. Saying a short prayer in times of stress can give you a sense of calm, especially when the situation is one you really have no control over. Studies have shown that people who trust in a higher power have lower blood pressure. Being able to forgive people also can affect your blood pressure. Holding a grudge is not good for your health!
3. Turn it off. The convenience that cell phones have added to our lives can actually be a double-edged sword. We depend on them so much it seems we can’t live without them. This increased accessibility means not only can our loved ones reach us at any time, but so can work. If your employer legitimately needs to have your cell phone number, make sure you set clear limits on when you can and cannot be reached. Your time off is yours.
4. Take a holiday. This doesn’t have to be a big, fancy vacation at a resort. A simple day at the beach, or an afternoon at the park may just do the trick. Just give yourself a break from the bills, work, or whatever it is that is stressing you. It’s important to take time for yourself, so do it! You’ll feel better with a fresh outlook.
5. Treat yourself. Do something for yourself that is fun and relaxing. Sign up for a yoga class at your local gym or community center. A massage or a spa treatment is also a great way to recharge. Go to a movie or dinner with a friend. Enjoy!
Stress may be unavoidable, but how we handle it is up to us. Being prepared and having strategies to take a break from the stress can help us to handle the stress when we need to. Try out these tips and see what works for you!