Simple Changes in Dealing With Stress Means Big Relief

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Simple Changes in Dealing With Stress Means Big Relief

Author: Carol Owens

Haven’t posted in for a while. As you can probably guess by the blog title, I’ve been dealing with a bit of excess stress these past few weeks. Don’t want to bore you with details. Let’s just say being a caregiver to a demanding person can get overwhelming.

Dealing with stress can be a problem if you let it . Or it can be simple. Being a stay at home mom, a work from home parent or even a caregiver can make you feel like stress is taking over. Learning a few simple techniques you can use when you feel stress is too overwhelming can help defuse the moment.

Exercise does wonders for reviving a stressed body.

Get moving to work out those tense muscles and lift your mood. When we exercise our body releases Endorphines that release tension and lift our spirits. And while your exercising, you get the added benefit of you time to meditate.

Walk. Run with the dog. Take the kids to the park and play tag with them. Thoroughly clean and vacuum the house. Find something physical you really enjoy and try to do it at least three times a week.

Get dirty by planting a garden. The peaceful surroundings of gardening offer a chance to get physical soothing your emotions. I have been gardening some this week. And it does help calm me. Weed, plant new seeds, digging plants to give and share with friends, and raking all require active moving. And the birds can serenade you, the dog can chase squirrels and the kids and play in the grass.

Breathe deep for one minute when things seem out of control.

Close your eyes, roll your shoulders and take several deep breaths. Rest your hands on your stomach, slowly count to four and inhale through your nose, feeling your stomach rise. Hold for a count of two. Slowly count to four while you exhale through your mouth. To control how fast you exhale, pretend you are going to whistle.

Your stomach will fall. Repeat five to 10 times.

Stretchlike a Cat.

Did you ever see a cat stretch. They awaken, yawn and stretch out with long legs and bodies. Stretch your body with a big yawn and lift your arms way over your head for a great stretch. This is especially great when you’ve been sitting at the computer for too long.

Take a short walk.

Can’t get away? How about a short trip around the house. Try not to make lists of what needs to be done, how messy the kids left the room or what hasn’t gotten done yet. Clear your mind and listen to your inner self relax. Talk to yourself. Hum a favorite song. Count your blessings.

Dance to some lively music.

It relaxes the muscles while having the added benefit of loosening your muscles. Can’t dance? Just move your body. No one is judging so let go of your inhibitions and boogie. Why not get the kids to involved too. Do a silly dance together. Not only will you feel better, your kids are going to enjoy seeing you being silly.

Play.

Do something silly. Play with your daughter’s dolls or your son’s monster toys. Make mud pies. Or a Snowman. Jump rope. Play with a Nerf ball or a wind-up toy. Keep small silly toys at your desk to relieve a tense day.

Most of us have to deal with stress on a daily basis. But how you learn to relieve that stress with in few simple ways can help you live a productive life.

Read.

Read a good book for pleasure. Read to your kids or grandkids. Find a book with a humorous plot or a book with inspirational thoughts. Find a cozy quiet spot and lose yourself in the story.

 

What is your favorite way to find relief when you feel the stress monster taking over?
Go ahead and leave a comment below.