It’s true. Stress kills people. High blood pressure, nervous breakdowns, tension, bills, car trouble, responsibilities, kids, relationships, headaches, ACK! Stop. no more…. (this could be a long list. Let’s not go there)
So what can you do to relieve your stress? Think about why you are stressing out and really examine those things. Are they things that you can change? If they are, figure out how you can change them. What steps can you take to make the change? Are there small steps to start that ball rolling?
What if they aren’t things you can change? If there truly are no ways for you to change the stressful aspect of some thing, then figure out how to either put it out of your mind, or separate it from your life. Are you worried about 2012? Are you worried about climate change? 2012, forget about it. It’s coming and one way or the other it’ll be done. Climate change? Can you drive less, live greener, turn down the thermostat in cold weather, turn it up in warm weather? Little things can make huge differences, they truly can.
Still stressed? How about getting in a workout? Exercise releases endorphins and those make you feel better. Hey, just a half hour or so at the gym or running around a track and concentrating on breathing or form can help displace that stress at least for a little while. Wait, that sounds a bit like
Meditation. Yes, sitting still or running a mile. Either one can be a mind quieting time of meditation. When I run I get into a rhythm of breathing and thinking about my breathe and how long each inhale or exhale takes. Soon the cares of life are taking a backseat. Nice. These moments of quiet mind time can also be filled with
Positive affirmations and counting blessings. Yes, every day in every way things are gradually getting better. or I am so happy and lucky to have _________ in my life. That blank might be a spouse, a car, a roof over your head, food in your cupboard or whatever. Being thankful doesn’t have to mean a huge bank account or a 2010 Smart Car, it can be the smallest thing that you are really thankful for. Your son/daughter/wife/mother/father who loves and cares about you is more important than most things that people stress over every day. And while you are at it remember
Other people appreciate you and the things that you do. You are an integral part of this world and you can’t even begin to realize how the things you do affect people. It may be holding the door for a stranger, or flashing your headlights to warn another motorist of an accident or road conditions, but things you do make other people’s lives better.
Stress can be a tough thing, but you really need to kick back and think about the big picture and don’t sweat the small stuff. And remember it’s all small stuff really.
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