Stress Busters

As parents, we are often in need of stress relief. Parenting, particularly trying to balance parenting and working, can be the cause of anxiety. We are a society of extremely busy people. Sometimes we feel like we don’t have either the time or the energy to take on added responsibilities, yet more and more keeps landing on our plates. Some of us are juggling parenting, working, school, care of aging parents and maybe even trying to start a home business. Others may also have health problems or financial concerns.

Not all stress is bad. Some incites us to action and increased performance. It makes us more alert and driven to rise to challenge. But there is a level of anxiety that causes physical problems such as headaches, stomachaches, insomnia and more. It is this level that we are concerned about.

If you don’t find ways to cope, your health, both mental and physical, will be affected. When you effectively manage your stress, life doesn’t seem bigger than you are. You can cope.

One problem for people who are overwhelmed by their responsibilities is often their own attitude. They may begin to see life through cynical, hopeless eyes and thus become their own worst enemy.

Stress management begins with becoming aware of what your stressors are and recognizing the difference between what you can change and what you can’t. Here are some suggestions to help you cope.

1) Exercise. Any physical exertion will make problems seem more manageable. In fact, nothing eases stress like exercise. Exercise provides an outlet for negative emotions such as anxiety and frustration. Choose an aerobic activity you enjoy, such as walking, swimming, bicycling or dancing. The importance of exercising twenty minutes a day three times a week cannot be overemphasized. At the same time, avoid junk food, caffeine, smoking and alcohol.

2) Talk. Find a friend or family member to share troubling emotions with. A burden shared is a burden cut in half.

3) Write. If you lack a confidante, write in a journal. Writing down your emotions often helps sort them out.

4) Learn to relax. Listen to soothing music or relaxation tapes. Get a massage if you can.

5) Yoga and stretching. Slower paced, non-aerobic exercise such as yoga and stretching can soothe inner turmoil.

6) Do what you love. Find time to pursue hobbies such as gardening or handicrafts. This can give you a sense of relaxation and accomplishment.

7) Deep breathing. When people are anxious, they tend to take short breaths. Taking the time to breathe deeply will offer some sense of stress relief. Breathe in to the count of four, hold your breath for the count of four and breathe out to the count of four.

8) Aromatherapy. Many aromas can bring on a relaxed state of mind. Dip cotton in the essences of lavender, chamomile or geranium for stress relief. Scented candles also offer comfort.

9) Practice positive thinking. Negative thinking can become a habit. Habits are something we learn, which means we can also unlearn them with some effort. The fact is that things are often not as bad as we think. We can practice affirmations and positive thinking on a daily basis.

10) Look for humor. Humor has been proven to heal. Enjoy sitcoms or the antics of small children. Surround yourself with people who can laugh at themselves and who find humor in the midst of difficulties.

11) Pets. Pets are great stress relievers – when they’re not being stressors, that is! The one thing pets always offer is unconditional love.

12) Accepting help from others. Above all, allow others to help you. Delegate when you can, and don’t turn away offers of help. You are only one person. Take care of you so you can take care of your children.

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