Poof Be Gone! Can you make you stress disappear?
The answer to this question is: NO. However, stress can be managed and kept to a minimum with a few simple changes in your life and daily routine. I don’t think people realize the impact stress can have on us physically, emotionally and psychologically. Unfortunately, stress tends to not be taken seriously, but the consequences can be severe.
Here are a few ideas I cover in anger management classess that may help you decrease your stress. Consider incorporating them into your daily routine to help manage stress levels.
1. Listen to a relaxation exercise or meditate. Not only will you feel relaxed while doing it, but most people also experience a sense of calm that lasts for hours afterwards.
2. Exercise or yoga are great for reducing stress, even if it is only for 15 minutes a day. A quick walk around the block can do the trick.
3. Take little breaks throughout the day to recharge your batteries. Five or ten minutes breaks is all it takes.
4. Remind yourself of what it is you are grateful for and refocus your mind on the positive.
5. Identify what your boundaries are and keep them intact. This will help avoid taking on too much responsibility and experiencing burn out. It is ok to say “no.”
6. Listen to music.
7. Utilize time management skills, such as writing a daily list of things to do and delegating tasks, in order to help manage your day.
8. Live within your financial means. Money worries are one of the causes of stress.
9. Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake.
10. Make healthy eating choices. While this may be hard during periods of increased stress (many people overeat as a reaction to stress), keeping a balanced diet helps maintain focus and energy.
11. Read a book or make time to engage in any pleasurable activity or hobby. Do something you enjoy or try a new hobby.
12. Cook or bake something and share it with others. Chocolate-chip cookies can have amazing healing powers!
13. Watch a movie
14. Relax. Take a long, hot shower or pour yourself a bubble bath and light some candles.
15. Give to others. A little giving, even something as simple as holding the door open for someone or letting someone go in front of you in line, will go a long way and make you feel better.
16. Give yourself a pat on the back and recognize your accomplishments for the day. All of us are so good at criticizing ourselves. Try giving yourself a compliment and see if your mood changes.
It might seem overwhelming to find time to incorporate these tactics into your life, so I encourage you to just try a few. Make sure you are taking time to yourself and eliminate as much as possible the stresses in your life. You will be surprised how some small, simple changes can reduce stress.
Daybreak Counseling Service teaches anger management techniques in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. Daybreak Anger Management Experts have appeared on national television shows such as Keeping up with the Kardashians, The Dr. Phil Show, MSNB Dyaln Ratigan Show E! Entertainment News and MTV Real World Hollywood.
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