I had an opportunity to speak to the Cedar
Hill Early Childhood PTA on "How to Handle Stress." As I was getting
ready that morning I was running late, the kids were moving slowly and
tempers (mine of course) were short. I was raising my voice, which
doesn't speed children up at all, throwing things in the car and
wondering what I was forgetting. At once I stopped and realized I am
acting like a stressed out maniac and I'm going to talk to a group about
how to handle stress. Wow - what an eye opener. The old saying came to
my mind: practice what you preach. I stopped, took a few deep breaths,
gathered myself, apologized to my kids, then we got in the car and left.
I'm in the profession of relieving others' stress and tension, although
when a situation presents itself I don't always react the way I should.
I have created a list, from several different sources and would like to
share them with you, in hopes the you too can "regain control" over your
stressors.
Recognize your stress symptoms -
Neck or shoulder pain? Shallow breathing? Loss of temper? Say out loud,
"I am feeling stressed." Then ask yourself, "What is really bothering
me?" Figuring out what is really bothering you helps you take control of
the situation and relieves stress.
Breathe -
Stress causes shallow breathing, which limits oxygenation of blood. When
this limitation occurs, the heart strains to pump extra blood and the
brain reacts to this with anxiety. So breathing deeply allows the blood
to have oxygen without straining your heart, and allows your mind and
body to relax.
Exercise -
Stress-relieving regimens combine deep breathing with physical movement.
Listen to soothing music or relaxation tapes -
Recent studies have shown that music relieves the stress experience.
Relaxation tapes combine music and verbal suggestions that enhance
relaxation, either with instructions or promoting relaxation of certain
muscles with verbal descriptions of calming scenes.
Meditate -
Meditation simply involves twenty minutes of deep breathing, with the
focus on the rhythm of your breathing or a word or phrase.
Take a personal time out -
Before you say or do something you'll regret, try stepping away from the
stressor and collect yourself. Count to ten and breathe.
Stop trying to be perfect -
Demanding perfection only produces stress because nobody's perfect - not
even you.
Say "no" occasionally -
It's impossible to please everyone all the time. Allow yourself
limitations.
Get in touch with an old friend -
Talking about your troubles helps relieve them. When was the last time
you had a nice, long chat with that old pal of yours?
Love on your pet -
The most clear form of unconditional love. If you love animals, a pet
can help you cope with stress.
Laugh -
Laughter is physiologically stress-relieving. It deepens breathing,
eases muscle tension, and adds extra oxygen and nutrients to the blood.
Humor also provides perspective. Keep a joke book within arm's reach.
Try to laugh at yourself. Life is too serious to be taken too seriously.
Place post it notes around: " God grant me patience - right now!"
Brew some Chamomile -
Chamomile acts as a tranquilizer without the risk of addiction or the
morning-after grogginess.
Go decaffeinated -
You may be surprised at the role caffeine plays in your reactions to
stress. Taper off slowly so as not to create headaches and constipation.
Hot soaks -
Probably the most popular stress reducing indulgence is a hot bath or
shower. Combine it with aromatherapy, and you'll be transported out of
your stress.
Use your nose -
Aromatherapy employs aromatic oils to boost health, and is a notable and
effective stress reliever.
Be creative -
Doodle, knot, create little sculptures from paperclips, write silly
poems - whatever strikes your fancy. Puzzles and other creative
endeavors are something you control, and feeling in control is the basis
of stress management.
These are just some of the things you can do for yourself. Always
remember to breathe, it will help clear your head and think how silly
you look throwing your arms all around and yelling till your face turns
red - laugh and enjoy life. It really is too short to take advantage of.
I hope this helps. I know it's always a good review for myself. Live
today as if there may be no more tomorrow - with no regrets.
Joi Mairet, Owner of Remède Spa and Wellness Center
(972)572-1772
*These statement have not been
evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
