7 Tips to relieve stress

It is not uncommon these days to hear that stress effects most Americans. With a down economy, people losing their jobs, and companies increasing workloads with no increases in salaries being among some common concerns. The sufferers of stress may have symptoms of nervous tension, difficulty remembering and focusing, depression, and many others. Here are some helpful tips to remember when taking care of yourself in stressful times.

1. Start your day out with prayer or meditation:
Starting your day out in a relaxed state sets the tone for the rest of your day. Listen to calming music if you would like. Start our with 5 minutes and work your way up to 15-20 minutes each day. Try some deep relaxed breathing. Focus your in breath a peace and breath out release. This takes practice.

2. Eat a balanced diet:
Fill up on fresh vegetables and fruits. Try to stay away from caffeine and sugar. Limit your alcohol intake. Check with your local health food store on several alternative therapies for balancing mood and anxiety. There are several homeopathic and herbal remedies.

3. Write in a journal:
Write down your thoughts and concerns in a journal. Writing it down can help you focus and also release the tensions that you are feeling. Identify the source of any anger or stress so you can begin changes. This makes you aware and gives you insight in how you can improve.

4. Exercise:
Find something you enjoy to do. Take a walk on your break time at work instead of reaching for a sugary snack out of the vending machine. This walk will not only be a good stress reliever but will give you energy to get through your day.

5. Treat yourself:
On your days off from work do something you enjoy. Go golfing or fishing. Take up a class in quilting. Volunteer at a local food bank. Have lunch with a friend. Whatever your interests are, take a break and do something that you enjoy doing.

6. Get outdoors:
Go hiking or walk on the beach. Take deep breaths of the clean air. Nature is a great stress reliever.

7. Be thankful:
Put things in perspective on the positive side when life gets you down. Being thankful and remembering that can help you get out of the negative thinking spiral.

I hope that these tips help you the next time you feel as though life is getting the best of you try these steps. Remember, it takes practice to make a change.

Karina Narduzzi B.A., C.A.M.F.
Positive Solutions Anger Management and Executive Coaching
www.positivesolutions.org