- Whether your stress is related to the buzz of layoffs at work or getting Johnnie to baseball practice on time, there are stress relief strategies which may help you handle situations with a calm and rational attitude
- There are numerous ways to relieve stress. The key is to take the time to find relief
- Drink less coffee so your sleep is more restful
- Don’t say yes every time someone asks a favor of you. Learn to just say no
- Clean up your surroundings. Less clutter means less stress
Stress relief strategies may be needed to keep up with our fast paced environment, an uncertain economy, and other everyday pressures. The problems that cause stressful circumstances are sometime impossible to control. However, the way we react to such circumstances will give us a better handle on the situations. There are several ways to relieve stress. Depending on your situation, some stress relief strategies will work better than others. The ideas listed are only a few of the many possible ways you can conquer stress and take control of whatever comes your way.
1. RELAX, STRETCH, and BREATH if overwhelmed with too much to do at home or at work. Take at least ten to fifteen minutes of relaxation time. Do some simple stretching exercises which will loosen your limbs. Reach for the sky with your arms and bend down to touch your toes. Whichever way you stretch is helpful. Then, take a few moments to sit with your eyes closed. Take a slow deep breath through your nose and slowly exhale through your mouth. Do this a few times as you push all of your stressful thoughts out of your head.
2. GET ENOUGH SLEEP so that you can rationally handle stressful situations. If there is a lack of sleep, your thoughts will not be as lucid. Decision making will come easier and more efficiently if you tend to get an adequate amount of sleep per day. You may want to cut back on caffeine so that your restful night sleep is not interrupted.
3. JUST SAY NO when it comes to family members, coworkers, neighbors, or friends asking for favors. If you have the time, by all means, go for it and help anyone who may ask. However, if you are overwhelmingly busy and a neighbor asks you to watch her three kids for the afternoon, just say no. If you are frazzled, you will not be good for anyone, especially you.
4. SHARE THE CHORES with your spouse and kids. Learn to delegate the everyday household necessities. If the family is given the chance, they will be able to do some daily chores like sorting laundry, cleaning the bathroom, or taking out the garbage. Ask other parents to carpool school and activity drop-offs and pickups. Coordinate with them, a regular schedule of days you can and cannot drive.
5. GET CLUTTER FREE by cleaning out your closets, pantries, drawers, file cabinets and more. When your surroundings are neat and organized, you will feel more neat and organized. This also stands true for keeping your monthly finances organized. Keep a log of what to pay and when. You won’t be rummaging through bills at the last minute while wondering if your payment will get to the creditors on time.
