Since April is National Stress-Awareness Month, we thought the best way to celebrate it would be by creating less stress in our own lives. So here is a list of 10 positive ways you can respond to the stress in your life and keep your own stress levels in check.
10 Ways to Celebrate National Stress Awareness Month
Everyone feels stressed from time to time. If left unchecked, it tends to be a real joy-killer. This, of course, makes it harder for us to live Complaint-Free, happy lives. Stress can also lead to a number of major health problems, ranging anywhere from anxiety to severe depression and from mild acne to life-threatening heart attacks, so it is easy to see why it is so vitally important to keep life’s major stressors in check. Since April is National Stress-Awareness Month, I thought the best way to celebrate it would be by creating less stress in our own lives. So here is a list of 10 positive ways you can respond to the stress in your life and keep your own stress levels in check.
– Make Up Your Mind to Get and/or Stay Healthy
Taking control of your personal health can make a great difference in the amount of stress you feel. The best way to reclaim control of your life is by taking charge of your body. Whether it is through diet, exercise, or simply getting that checkup you’ve been putting off, let April be the month you put yourself back in control.
– Make a Change
It can be as simple as clearing the clutter off your desk or as elaborate as taking a well-deserved vacation, the important thing is that you do something different. Even a small change can make a big difference when it comes to stress.
– Focus on Now
Most folks live their entire lives in yesterday or tomorrow. In truth, however, there is only Now. Focusing on this perfect moment, right now, provides a magical escape from the disappointment of what once was and the fear of what might be, and leaves stress stuck in a time warp.
– Talk to Yourself
Sometimes a good pep talk is all that is needed to keep stress at bay. Maybe it is high time you gave yourself one by affirming what is right with your life instead of dwelling on what’s wrong.
– Get the Giggles
It’s true; laughter really is the best medicine. Watch a funny show or video, tell a funny joke, or go to a card shop and read funny cards. Whatever it takes, give yourself time for laughter each and every day.
– Meditate
A still mind is a stress-free mind, so take a deep breath, quiet your thoughts and let the stress melt away. Even ten minutes of meditation done daily for the next 30 days will do wonders for releasing stress in your life.
– Keep a Happiness Journal
Every evening for the next 30 days spend a few minutes reflecting on the day you just experienced and list five things about the day that delighted you.
– Put a Positive Spin on It
No matter what challenge you may be facing, do your best to think about it positively and then let that new positive mindset become your focal point.
– Help Someone Else
Sometimes the best way to deal with stress is by providing relief to someone else. Putting your focus on others takes the focus off your own challenges leading to less rumination and stress. So look around you, see who needs a hand up, and then offer yours.
Source: BeliefNet
