PreviousTo Stress or Not To Stress?
F
E A T U R E A R T I C L E:
To
Stress or Not to Stress
Lesley Spencer is founder and president of the HBWM.com,
Inc. Network
which includes: http://www.HomeBasedWorkingMoms.com She has
a Master's Degree in Public Relations and has been featured
in numerous media
outlets including CBS News, Forbes, Business Week, Parents,
Wall Street
Journal and USA Today. She has been working from home for
over 10 years and has two children whom she absolutely
adores!
Article:
Today it seems that no matter who we are or what we do, we
have more
stress in our lives than our parents or grandparents did.
There are many
factors and demands that cause stress in our lives: things
such as
demanding careers, relationship conflicts, financial
worries, health
concerns, parenting challenges, legal issues, fear of the
unknown and so many
others.
If that were not enough, the stress and worries these
situations cause
further diminish our ability to function well and to be
healthy. In
fact, stress can cause depression, fatigue, irritability,
withdrawal,
insomnia, appetite changes, head aches, lower sex drive and
many other
ailments and diseases. Some studies suggest that as much as
80% of all
major illnesses are attributed to stress. Take note of that
again -- as
much as 80% of all major illnesses are attributed to stress!
It is quite
obvious -- stress is NOT good for us, and we are wise to get
rid of as
much of it as possible.
So how do you do that? First, do you know what things in
your life are
causing you stress? Think about it and write down those
things. Next,
go through your list and write possible solutions and ways
to ease
stress for each of those stress causers. Then, make a plan
to do those
things. That plan may look like a daily reminder that you
read, post-it
notes on your computer or a daily quiet time of prayer.
For those stress items that we cannot remove from our lives
and for the
unexpected stress that creeps into our lives, try these
tips:
• When you feel tense or stress, stop what you are doing,
close your
eyes and take several deep breaths. Inhale slowly counting
to 10 and
exhale slowly counting to 10. Try to do this at least three
times. You may
need to do this several times a day.
• Start an exercise program. You may be amazed how much
stress is
relieved when you exercise. The endorphins that are released
can reduce your
stress, improve your mood and give you an energy boost.
• Play relaxing music or soothing sounds that calm and relax
you.
• Plan a day off or at least plan some time just for
yourself and do
whatever is relaxing to you: sleep in, lay in a hammock,
have coffee with
a friend, take a bubble bath, have a glass of champagne, go
for a hike,
get a manicure or read a book.
• Count your blessings. Record things you are happy and
thankful about.
Read them daily and add to your list as you recognize new
blessings and
things to be thankful for. The goal is to have a longer
“thankful” list
than “stress” list. Focus on the positive and remind
yourself of the
positive things in your life often.
• Simplify your life. Are there unnecessary things in your
life that
you could remove? Are you over-extended or over-committed?
Are their
things in your life that you can outsource to simplify your
life? Are your
children in more than one extra-curricular activity? Is that
adding
more stress than is worth it?
• Find more joy. Are their things that can truly add joy to
your life?
What are they? Are you focusing too much on work or negative
things in
your life? Are you taking time to stop and enjoy your life,
your
family, and your children?
Make today the day for new beginnings and for removing as
much stress
from your life as possible. Find joy. Make joy.
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Added: Mon Aug 29 2005
Last Modified: Fri Oct 07 2005
