From the ongoing, regular stress that comes from living in our high-impact culture to specific life events that knock us for a loop, the impact of stress accumulates. Recognizing our stress "hot spots" is a critical first step to reducing stress. The following are daily ways to help you maintain balance or get back to well-being following a particularly stressful period.
1.
Do something physical.
Exercise, walk, play a game, dance, weed/garden.
2.
Breathe.
Deeply. Especially when you find yourself irritable or angry.
3.
Retreat.
Find a place-your bedroom, a park bench, your car-where you can be quiet and restful. Go there when you need to.
4.
Watch what you eat.
Don't over/under eat; drink water; eat fruits and veggies. Easy on the sugar, caffeine, fatty foods and alcohol.
5.
Get it out.
Talk to trusted friends or a counselor. Write in a journal. Pound a pillow.
6.
Say no.
Take care of yourself first or you'll have no well to draw from when helping others.
7.
Smile/laugh.
Force it at first, if necessary. It's impossible to stay negative or burdened with a grin on your face.
8.
Change.
Shift locations, activities, jobs, people you're with, beliefs.
9.
Relax.
Take a bath, nap or shower. Sit in the sun/shade. Get a massage. Do nothing.
10.
Have fun.
Don't forget to take time to play, be creative, do things that nourish your soul.
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