| Eight Immediate Stress-Busters |
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Life today for many has become a non-stop marathon of trying to juggle home, work, children, finances, taxes etc. The endless to-do list has left many of us "running on empty." For those times when the stress is just too much to cope with, try these immediate stress busters to help put you back on track. Let it go. If you find yourself becoming annoyed or angry at something trivial or unimportant, make a conscious choice to not become angry and just let it go. Tell yourself your energies can be spent on more productive rewarding things. Effective anger management is a tried-and-true stress reducer. Breathe slowly and deeply. When you find yourself becoming stressed out take three deep breaths and release them slowly. In through the nose and out through the mouth. The extra oxygen will help your body to relax. Jump-start your to-do list. Choose one simple thing you have been putting off (e.g., returning an e-mail), and do it immediately. Just taking care of one nagging responsibility can be energizing and can improve your attitude. Get some fresh air. Go outside, take a walk, the fresh air and exercise will help to relax and re-juvenate your mind, body and spirit. If time is limited just five minutes on a balcony or terrace can have the same effect as thirty minutes outdoors. Check your hunger and thirst. Hunger and dehydration can provoke aggressiveness and exacerbate feelings of anxiety and stress. Make sure you’re well hydrated and eat nutritious food and snacks. Take time for yourself. Whether it’s a relaxing bath, watching your favorite sitcom or half an hour with a good book, put aside work, housekeeping or family concerns for a brief period before bed and allow yourself to relax and re-charge your batteries |
