Stress Management Tools

Stress Management:

Everyone has stress!! That’s right, everyone. Even children. Life is full of challenges. Life is really all about learning how to balance and manage every day tasks and unexpected events.  Most stressful situations are temporary and pass, but if you suffer from chronic worry and fear and a heavy burden, you may not realize how much your mind is contributing to your metabolic imbalances and risk of disease.

The leading causes of stress are divorce or relationship problems, financial problems, death or sickness of a loved one, and being the “sandwich generation” where you have to take care of both children and aging parents at the same time.  These situations can last for long periods of time and do a number on your psyche.

There are many tools that can help. Find the one that’s right for you. If you have never tried any of these, why not see for yourself if it’s something that can be easily incorporated into your life for relief. By incorporating techniques into your day, you can greatly reduce your stress hormones, help to normalize your metabolism, and bring back feelings of control and peace.

Tools and Techniques:

• Meditation and Prayer
• Deep belling breathing
• Guided imagery
• Progressive Relaxation
• Quiet time doing nothing
• Walking outside in fresh air
• Yoga or Pilates
• Exercise
• Massage
• Cooking (when you’re not in a rush)
• Listening to calm music
• Talking to a friend
• Seeing a professional counselor
• Financial Planning
• Going to bed before 10pm
• Writing in Journal
• Reading your favorite book
• Organizing and delegating daily tasks

You will notice that most of these things are associated with calmness or movement. Many find that focusing on their mind and bodies in times of stress can take them away from the stressor if even for a short moment in time. It may even allow you time to process your thoughts and focus on how you will deal with a certain situation.  The more you practice deep belly breathing along with your tools, the more peaceful you will feel. But like most things in life, if you don’t practice them, they wont work. Remember to take time for yourself so you can better serve others in your life. It is absolutely important to remember that you are worth it! Those around you will appreciate a more peaceful version of you. It may even start a chain reaction and bring peace in other’s hearts.