Positive Ways to Reduce Stress

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A young lady confidently walked around the room while reading and explaining stress management to an audience.
In her hand was a raised glass of water, and everyone was sure she was going to ask the obvious question - “half empty or half full?”
She fooled them. With a smile she asked “How heavy is this glass of water?" Answers ranged from 8 to 20 oz.
She replied however that "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I try to hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."
She continued "and that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry it any longer"!
"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time this “rest” routine is practiced.
So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and through the night. You can pick them up in the morning if necessary.
Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment. Relax - pick them up later, after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy it and what is now the 'supposed' stress that you've conquered!"
REMEMBER - STRESS IS SOMETHING THAT IS MAN- MADE - WE HEAP IT ON OURSELVES !!

  • Are you drinking sufficient – 6 to 8 glasses - of water per day?

    Anything less will leave you in a permanent dehydrated state. Please note that water does not include drinks. Water refers to water, and only water.

  • Eat More Fiber

    Fiber can help you feel satisfied sooner which results in eating less, which then leads to fat loss. Getting enough fiber also keeps your bowel movements regular and is good for your heart. So in addition to the health benefits, getting enough fiber can result in fewer things to be stressed about! The good news is that fiber comes in many tasty forms, from oatmeal and whole-grain breads and cereals to fruits such as apples, citrus, and strawberries, and vegetables.

  • Reduce your Salt intake

    Salt may be partly to blame for many health problems. Too much salt can cause you to retain water and it could contribute to high blood pressure. Cut back on salt by choosing fresh (not canned or processed) foods and experimenting with other seasonings such as curry powder, garlic, cumin, or rosemary to give your food some zing. You'll expand your culinary horizons and may find that you feel more energetic, too.

  • Stressed Out? A burst of activity is the answer

    When you're angry or stressed, it's easy to grab a candy bar, smoke a cigarette, or gulp another cup of coffee to cope. What is the ideal antidote? A healthy activity such as a few total body stretches, exercise or take a walk. Research has proven that a few minutes spent on putting the body to work in a healthy way – 10 minutes or more – will provide the mental boost needed.

  • Handle stress by eating? Yes, but not garbage

    In tense times, you may choose bad foods over fruits and vegetables. But when that short-term boost from refined carbs or sugary food crashes, you’ll be left feeling sluggish with nothing gained. Plus, extra calories can quickly add up to extra pounds / kilos -- increasing your risk of health problems. So next time you feel anxious, ignore the sweet stuff and go for what the body will appreciate.

  • Are you getting enough good peaceful sleep?

    Experts recommend 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night to recharge and lower stress. Having trouble falling asleep? Don't drink caffeine past noon. Avoid exercise two hours before bedtime. A few mild stretches can be most relaxing. A few minutes of deep breathing – in through the nose into the abdomen and exhale through the mouth. The avoid other distractions before you start a peaceful sleep.

  • Change your routine – mix it up

    By avoiding the same routine day after day, you will need to concentrate more on the activity which helps reduce whatever is stressing you out. “Shock the system” so that it is not working on auto pilot. The same applies to an exercise, stretching, walking or running routine or route.

  • Focus on yourself and what you can control

    Being aware of where you are and what is happening right now -- some call it mindfulness -- can help you relax instead of fretting over what's looming on the horizon. Let go of thoughts about the past or future, and focus on the present moment. Concentrate on whatever you are doing. Don’t let you mind wander.

  • Pain

    Are you in pain? Have it checked out and attended to. Pain means that something is wrong and the longer it is not investigated the more damage it can be causing. Ongoing health problems can sap vitality. If you haven’t had a physical in a while, schedule one now. Don’t hide worrying issues from your Doctor.

  • Change your lifestyle

    Sometimes the answer to having a lot on your mind is to do something that steers your brain in a completely different direction. Stretch your mental boundaries by attending lectures on subjects that are of interest to you. When last did you try doing a crossword puzzle? Join a book club and keep informed on the latest best sellers. Or take up a physical hobby like gardening that will keep you active mentally and physically.

  • Can you quote one reason where being stressed will help?

    If not, don’t stress. If yes, take action as soon as possible that will put the issue/s to bed. Stress is a major reason for a multitude of serious mental and physical ailments and diseases. Take control of the issues NOW!

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