Sure, you’ve read a list of stress management tips before, so what makes this record any better? Well, if you have read this much, then perhaps you still have some anxiety in your life and just another small tweak or two may be just the thing that will help you relax. Take a deep breath and have a mild, refreshing read. Hopefully we can help!
What to do?
- Talk straight, think straight. Obviously you have been advised to believe’the glass is half full’, and that is all well and good, but should you draw the line between what is just negative thinking and what is reality? I mean really, we can not just all walk around with smiles on our faces, can we? Try a week of tracking what you say, as it is actually the language you use that feeds in how you’re feeling. If someone says to you “Boy, this weather is the pits, huh?” You don’t need to disagree to be positive – you can just say “Yes, I guess it is. Hopefully it’ll feel more pleasurable soon.” Saying “feel more pleasurable” automatically places that idea into your subconscious and puts you on the path to imagining a more enjoyable time.
- Make a list. Or ten lists, for that matter. Make as many lists as needed to get yourself organized because among the most stressful things in life is that feeling of being overwhelmed, and also you may minimize or even eliminate that feeling by taking 30 to 60 minutes after a week and editing or making a list, or lists. With all the terrific list-making apps out there now, you can also get one that syncs back and forth from the telephone and your computer, so you could get your record (s) with you all of the time for reference.
- Tune in to some songs. Listening to music can definitely help you de-stress, which is no surprise that we hear it in all the shops and offices we enter regular. They want you to relax and thus be a better client! So be a much better customer on your store/mind, and put on some music when you’ve got a chance – possibly some cans in your desk or in the car, or while you prepare in the morning. And you don’t need to select classical to feel relaxed; anything with a beat which may get you dancing is excellent too. Check out a few of the amazing, free online radio stations out there that offer constant, 24-hour-a-day music. You’ll be surprised by the variety you can find!
- Get spiritual. Sounds like I’m asking you to light up one and put on some Bob Marley (see step 3), but it does not have to be such a stretch to connect with something larger than yourself. If going to some type of organized religious gathering is not something (or if it is but you are still worried), try linking in another way. Sometimes getting in touch with your artistic side aids, so draw some pictures or get creative in a way that speaks to you. Or simply go out into nature and have a close look at a few trees, flowers and plants. Literally stop and smell the roses?
- Self-massage. Sure, using your benefits up for massage therapy, acupuncture etc is ideal, but it is difficult to find the time to enter a clinic every day (unless you are super-lucky, like a movie star!), but you can help yourself out with only a couple minutes at your desk one or two times a day. Simply have a moment and massage the muscle between your thumb and index finger, using enough pressure that you feel a small ache, but not so much pressure that you are causing undue strain on the hand doing the squeezing. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this stage is known as ‘Junction Valley’, and is used to open up channels throughout your body. Thus it is very beneficial for relieving pain and helping to calm you.
- Breathe better! Simply stop whatever you are doing and take a deep breath, letting go of all your thoughts and just pay attention to your breath in, then out. Make a simple plan for how to get through the next hour or 2 with a straight mind. Good job! Now, if you wish to be certain that your body is getting good breath the rest of the time, you might want to think about doing some normal breathing practice like limbic breathing. This beneficial breathing clinic (also known as’feather breathing’) can be educated by some well-rounded naturopathic physicians, and is excellent for both reducing stress and may even assist with other ailments too. Such sudden complaints include: acid reflux, immune system deficiency, higher blood pressure, and insomnia, and is excellent for people of all ages.
- Call Uncle Bert. Or whoever it is in your life that you care deeply about, and can usually offer you the exact same unconditional love right back. Spending time with the people we love and can talk to about what’s causing us stress can truly reduce those stress hormone levels and help us cope better with life’s stresses. Ensure to take time regularly, and if Uncle Bert is simply too busy, think about booking regular time with a trained psychotherapist. You don’t need to have a serious problem to simply sit down with an expert listener. Sometimes a trained ear is a excellent ear to have!
