Candace McLean

10 Tips to Reduce Stress

Posted in Health and Wellness by Candace McLean on 12/3/2009 10:48:59 PM

Stress Management 101

They say that some stress can actually be beneficial because it helps to focus your attention. Extreme stress on the other hand can have a negative impact on both your physical and emotional health and well-being.

There are 2 types of stress: acute stress and chronic stress. Acute stress is brought on by either a real or perceived immediate threat to our physical, emotional or psychological well-being. The moment we feel threatened, this triggers our body to release catecholamines or stress hormones from the adrenal glands. This creates a high demand on our bodies, and produces a higher metabolic rate. Chronic stress, on the other hand takes place over a longer period of time. Researchers have now discovered that long-term activation of stress can have a hazardous, or even lethal effect on our bodies, increasing obesity, heart disease, depression, sleep disorders, and anxiety. Chronic stress should never be accepted as a "normal part of life". It must be dealt with seriously. So, what can you do? Here are 10 tips to start you on your way...

#1: Identify the Source

Take some time to identify where your stress is coming from. Meditate, journal, or seek a professional. You cannot heal from something unless you know what it is. Next, write down the source of your stress, how it challenges you in your life, and 3 solutions to overcome the problem.

#2: Acceptance

Acceptance needs to become part of our lives on a daily basis. We need to start to learn to accept the things that happen in life. More importantly, we need to accept our feelings, our pain, our fear, our anger. Only then, can we move on from it. It's our non-acceptance of these things that cause us greater stress.

#3: Deep Breathing

This is one of the best tips of all for relieving stress - breathe deeply! In general, we tend to breathe very shallow. Deep breathing is very good for our body and our mind. Imagine breathing in peace, and breathing out tension. This, alone, is so good for you.

#4: Leave "Should" Out of Your Vocabulary

Okay, I admit, this one is hard. It takes a lot of practice, but eventually you'll get the hang of it. Here are some common examples we might catch ourselves saying:

I should be more caring
I should be more beautiful/handsome
I should lose weight
I should stop smoking
I should work harder
I should make more money
She should do that
He shouldn't do that
You shouldn't be so angry
She shouldn't be like that
You shouldn't wear that...

If you come across some others in your repertoire, be sure to add them to the list.

#5: Simplify Simplify Simplify

Life can be very complicated. Reality is, we make it so. Think about what kinds of changes you can make in your life NOW to simplify it, and bring about more peaceful feelings. Are you living paycheque to paycheque? If so, take a look at your expenses. What can you eliminate? Make a list of the areas in your life that you could stand to simplify, and find at least one way to simplify each area.

#6: Ask For Help

We all go through rough patches in life. Often, we tend to put on a brave face so we don't worry or upset anyone. If you're going through a difficult time, please please ask for help. Speak to a family member or a close friend. Even seek the advice of a professional. People are more willing to help out than you realize. Wouldn't you do the same if it was them?

#7: Time Management

How are you utilizing your time? There are only 24 hours in a day, and unfortunately, more hours aren't going to show up. Practicing time management means we prioritize what is important for us. Aside from daily chores, and jobs, make sure to schedule some time for just you. Start with just an hour a week. What would make your soul feel good? Go ahead and pencil it in. Next week, make it twice a week. In a short period of time, you'll find that you are far more productive.

#8: Look for the Humour in Things

Laughter really is the best medicine. When you can find the humour in life, and let out a good belly laugh or two, you're on your way to living stress-free. On more than one occasion, when stress has reached a peak, I've just had to sit back and laugh. Hey, it beats crying.

#9: Move Your Body

Physical exercise is a great stress reliever. Play a sport, go for a long walk, go to the gym... It doesn't matter what it is, just get moving and feel the stress melt away.

#10: Practice Self-Hypnosis

You knew this one was coming, right? Self-hypnosis is an excellent stress reliever. Go within and visualize your grandest dreams - see them, feel them in your mind. The more real you make it, the better. You will emerge feeling stronger, and more positive!