Stress doesn't just make you anxious or worried; it can also wear you out and be harmful to your health. Research shows that people under stress wake up more often, have fewer episodes of deep sleep, and experience more arousal during sleep. People under stress are also much more likely to develop cancer, heart disease, diabetes and chronic pain. Here are 12 simple ways to manage your stress:
- Employ regular deep diaphragmatic breathing.
- Schedule your time realistically. Plan your day, but look for the positive in unexpected, unplanned events.
- Take problems one at a time rather than lumping them together. Remember, every problem contains an opportunity for growth.
- Set your priorities and cut down that "to-do" list.
- Talk about your stress with a friend or family member. Share your burdens.
- Embrace prayer and meditation (“Let Him have all your worries and cares” I Peter 5:7).
- Minimize time fillers like TV viewing and Internet surfing and focus on your purpose in life.
- Avoid stress-elevating foods like coffee, sweets, alcohol and soda pop.
- Read inspirational material on a regular basis (feed your mind “good stuff”).
- Exercise or get some physical activity every single day. Walking is the best.
- Log some outdoor time. The negative ions in the out-of-doors and the natural sunlight boost your “anti-stress” hormones.
- Always be willing to forgive yourself and others. Holding on to anger and resentment are hidden “stress monsters.”
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