Stress Reducing Tips

by Chris Chenoweth
Stress is simply defined as forces from the outside world affecting the individual emotionally, mentally and physically. There are differences in how each individual adapts to these forces.





Humans are the most adaptive creatures on the planet. We have adapted to the changes and stressors of life and mastered them. Unfortunately, the consequences can be deadly.





There is overwhelming evidence that abnormal stress responses are directly involved in causing various diseases and/or conditions. These responses include anxiety disorders, depression, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and the aging process.





TIPS FOR REDUCING STRESS





There are many ways we can alleviate stress in our lives. Find out what works best for you and use it. Follow some of the guidelines listed below:





*Eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as foods that are high in complex carbohydrates, moderate amounts of protein, and low in fat. Drink lots of water.





*Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine that can increase anxiety. Often we reach for a cup of coffee to calm our nerves. Next time, try tea made with chamomile, valerian, or ginseng and CUT DOWN on the coffee.





*Avoid alcohol, which can mask symptoms and often make symptoms worse.





*Avoid a diet high in sugar. Too much sugar will increase your anxiety level.





*Regular physical activity such as walking is one of the best ways to reduce stress and improve overall quality of life. Walk or do whatever type of exercise you feel comfortable with.





*Spend as much time as possible outdoors. A little sunshine and activity can have an amazing effect on your entire outlook. Your improved attitude will have a positive effect on everyone in your family.





*Try aromatherapy. It can be a tremendous help for alleviating stress. Put five or six drops of lavender oil in a warm bath or put a few drops on a cloth and inhale from time to time during the day.





*Give yourself permission to enjoy life. Draw, paint, dance, read, play music, whatever makes you feel better.





*Practice deep breathing exercises, get frequent massages, use guided imagery and enjoy a healthy sex life.





*NEVER set unrealistic for goals for yourself. Many of us set ourselves up for defeat simply by setting unrealistic goals. For example, if you are dieting, realize you cannot lose 40 pounds in one month. Allow sufficient time to reach your goals and realize occasional setbacks may occur. Do not expect anything. Expectations and reality are often two entirely different things.





*When you are facing an unpleasant circumstance, take a deep breath and count to ten before saying or doing anything. Taking a break produces a calming effect and allows you extra time to reassess the situation before acting on impulse.





*Learn it is okay to say 'no' occasionally. YOU CANNOT BE ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE. You must first meet your own needs before you can truly give others what they need. Make time for yourself, your number one priority.





As you continue to learn how to meet your own needs, things that used to seem overwhelming will become trivial, causing you to wonder why you were so upset to begin with. Not only will you be less stressed, you will be healthier, happier, and more energetic, ready to face whatever obstacles come your way.

Article Source: http://www.lifeischeerful.com

Chris Chenoweth, author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, writes articles pertaining to diet, exercise, health, and business.

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