Monday, June 09, 2014
Stress is unavoidable, but you can manage it
Let’s face it: stress is a constant in our lives and cannot
be avoided. So, stress management is the key, not stress elimination. Here are several ways to help us manage
stress in our daily life.
• Cut down on unnecessary responsibilities and avoid
over-scheduling. It takes
practice, but saying “No” to extra projects and social activities won’t result
in the end of the world.
• Get away from the noise. Wear earplugs. Everybody needs at least 15 minutes a day of
quiet time – away from worries, phones, and noise.
• Exercise. We
are all well aware that exercise is essential for health. Whether it is gardening, swimming,
hiking, Zumba, Jazzercise, gym workouts, or brisk walking, 30 minutes of active
movement a day is really optimal.
• Learn relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation.
Simply sitting quietly and listening to soft music can have a calming effect.
• Make time for leisure activities. Every day, do something you really enjoy.
• Get a massage.
I was not really a fan of massages until my friend became a massage
therapist opened a studio, and offered some discounted sessions. Now, it is my favorite gift to myself,
family and friends.
• Create order out of chaos. This is my husband’s favorite
tip, and one that I find to be my biggest challenge. Organize your home and
workspace so that you always know exactly where things are. Put things away where they belong and
you won’t have to go through the stress of losing things and trying frantically
to find them.
• Have an optimistic view of the world. The Texas Woman’s University Counseling
Center suggests, “Believe that most people are doing the best they can.” For every one thing that goes wrong,
there are probably 50 or 100 blessings.
All we have to do is count them!
Alice Facente is a community health nurse for the Backus
Health System. This advice should not replace the advice of your personal
healthcare provider. To comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy
Living blog at www.healthydocs.blogspot.com or e-mail Ms. Facente or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org.
# posted by ----------------- @ 5:33 PM 
