The Kerr House (Ohio)
We all have plenty to be stressed out about, some more than others. Especially during the holidays - social parties, presents to buy, travel, and less time for ourselves. Because stress is unavoidable in life, it is important to find ways to decrease and prevent stressful incidents and decrease your negative reactions to stress.
Here are some simple, common-sense techniques for dealing with stress and habits to form to avoid losing control during the holidays and the rest of the year.
1. Remember to breathe. We hold our breath when we feel tense, and that drains our energy. Breathe, breathe, breathe.
2. Go for a walk. When you feel your mind and body tensing, head outside and go for a walk. Bundle up if it is cold, wear rain gear if it is raining. Dress for the weather, and go outdoors.
3. Watch a movie. Watch a funny or inspirational movie. Fill your mind with something light and refreshing.
4. Enjoy a soak. Take a hot tub or soak in a hot bathtub. Add salts or a couple cups of apple cider vinegar to a bath to balance your vibrations, and relax your muscles and joints.
5. Nourish your body. Eat wisely and avoid caffeine, sugar, and any artificial stimulant.
6. Do something for others. Think of something you can do for someone else. Do a kind deed. If nothing else, visit a rest home or take a treat to a shelter for the homeless. Make yourself think outside of your own problems and notice the problems others might have.
7. Exercise. Start taking classes in yoga, pilates, swimming, martial arts, or something you are interested in. Dancing could be fun. There are countless things to do that make life more interesting. This is your life, make it fun.
Yoga exercises are my favorite. They work with your lymphatic system, and stimulate your glands. They get your body to function as it is intended to function.
8. Start writing. If you are discontented with yourself, sit down and write down what upsets you most. Then write down what you have contributed to the problems and what you can do to change them. Write down your priorities in life, and what you are doing to fulfill them. You just might see clearly that your discontent (or stress) is unfulfillment that only you can change.
Write down all the good things in your life. One or two things might be going wrong, but MANY things are right. Focus on those things and appreciate them.
9. Schedule a massage. Massage Therapy has a proven role in pain and stress management, providing stress and pain relief and decreased pain intensity for people suffering from chronic pain caused by diseases, injuries, surgery and elevated stress levels.
10. Focus on the positive. Most of all, focus on what you DO want in your life. It's best if you only think about your problems while looking for a solution, what you can do to help. Otherwise you don't review the negative issues in your head or talk about them. You focus on what you want to bring into your life. There's a difference between talking with someone who can help you, and repeating and repeating what you are upset about. The repetition makes it grow, gives it power. So, train yourself to focus on what you DO want. Find thoughts and actions that will make you feel good. Take conscious steps to bring good things into your life.
