Eight actions to reduce stress
I RAN ACROSS THIS LIST OF STRESS-BUSTERS IN AN AMOCO MAGAZINE. My old company Amoco merged with BP in 1998, so this list may be 20 years old, or more. However, it struck me as a very sensible approach to reduce stress, and all the items seem attainable for most people.
I scored 5½ out of 8, so at least I’m above 50%. My weakest one is number 3: Talk it out. I don’t do this enough with friends and family. I tend to slug it out alone. But I have talked with a psychologist for about six months after a doctor said I had acute anxiety syndrome. The counselor was a great help.
What is your weakest link? If you don’t mind sharing, please do so by adding your thoughts to the Comment box.
1. DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. Next time you feel your blood boiling over something trivial, stop and make a conscious decision to let it go. Anger management is an effective stress buster.
2. JUST DO IT! Procrastinating and putting projects/deadlines off only leads to more stress later. Choose one simple thing you’ve been putting off and do it immediately. And if a big project feels overwhelming, tackle it a little at a time. Just don’t put it off!
3. TALK IT OUT. Share your feelings and concerns with a trusted friend or a trained professional. Talking it out might help you get a better perspective on what you’re facing.
4. PLAY WITH A PET. When you pet your dog even for just a few minutes, your body releases feel-good hormones like serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin. At the same time, it decreases the amount of the damaging stress hormones that are released. That can mean lower blood pressure, less anxiety, and even a boost to immunity. [I have come to love Chanel, Mary’s morkie, as shown in the picture].
5. HYDRATE AND FUEL UP. …HEALTHFULLY. Hunger and dehydration can provoke and amplify feelings of stress. So drink plenty of water and eat small, nutritious meals throughout the day.
6. GO FOR A WALK. Getting outside will do your body good. Clear your head with an invigorating jog, or relax and recharge on a walk around the block.
7. CLEAR THE CLUTTER. Many of us have experienced the panic of trying to find lost keys or misplaced paperwork. De-clutter and de-stress by cleaning up your home and office space.
8. GIVE YOURSELF SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO. Know you have a stressful day ahead? Plan a reward for yourself. Even if it’s just a relaxing bath or time set aside to read a good book, give yourself a brief period of time before bed to allow yourself to fully relax. Not only will it be something to look forward to, but it will help you get a better night’s sleep.
POST-SCRIPT 1: many of these stress-busters will be helpful in overcoming non-clinical depression.
POST-SCRIPT 2: sharing this list with your children or grand-children may be rewarding.
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The Gray Nomad ….. think well and de-stress well.
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But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. [From book of Matthew, chapter 6].
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I enjoyed and appreciated your testimony last week here in Santa Fe, Ian. Also looking forward to additional blogs. Thank you.
I enjoyed meeting you JD and I loved the band!
Ian…great blog on preventing/easing stress. I do some of these already …..but some don’t work for me like taking a walk or petting a dog. I’m guilty of “clutter” and procrastination, but I will work on this…..next week, ha!
Your last words made me laugh Don. When I’m anxious about addressing a problem, and tempted to procrastinate, I have a secret weapon…..I take a little caffeine, and that boosts my confidence. A Java Chip Frappuccino from Starbucks works every time!
Great blog on stress. That is something we all have to deal with and you have put in some wonderful stress busters. I was just telling one of my granddaughters the best way to deal with one of her stress issues is to deal with it head on, and not procrastinate. Thanks Ian for another good blog.
Good advice Mary Ann: to face a sticky problem requires courage, but after its done we are often relieved and glad, and even if it turns out bad we learn something and we grow…..and this is progress.
Great list!! I need to read it every morning! We are all here in this mystical magical time and place to live and live well. Let’s do it! Ian, you rock!!
Your words Rhonda seem like you are focusing on the positives, which could be number 9 on the list, and very important. Thanks for sharing.
I like all these but I don’t think a pet would help me. In fact it might be more stressful! But they are all good things to do. I talk things out. That’s my biggest reliever. Another thing I do is not watch the national news! Blessings!
Yes Barbara, the news is a dilemma. I watch BBC, as it reports all round the world in just a half-hour, and I love the diversity. I hope your knee is healing well.
Good advice Ian. I score 5 out of 8. But what did Jesus mean by “all these things?”
Clive, I think the previous verses in Matthew talk about what to eat and what to wear, etc. To me, Jesus is saying reset your priorities. The details of the day can easily overwhelm the larger perspective. Getting on the right side of God is a priority, and this is where its good to remember God loves us just as we are, and will forgive our shortcomings if we just take the time to ask him to. The cross is the bridge.
Good reminders for destressing – thanks
Maybe if we chill out on the pickleball court, Sara, we could win that first set!