Monday, September 8, 2008

Is There A 'Best' Stress Relief?

By Jeff Fenske

Vacations are one of the best forms of stress relief. Unfortunately, not everyone can take the vacation of their dreams or liking. Frequently, where or when you go is intertwined with other people's desires as well as your own. A vacation of your choosing is the best stress relief but since I know that is not always going to happen, let me give you some quick tips you can use right now, right where you are.

Don't try to eliminate all your stress at once, you didn't acquire it all at once. Make gradual changes over time. Your habits will start to change and you will see stress relief throught the new strategies you pick up.

There are a number of different ways stress can be relieved.

Puzzles can challenge your skills and provide an effective relief of stress by forcing your mind to focus on things other than what are causing stress. Puzzles come in many new formats to challenge your skills.

Gardening is an excellent source of stress relief. Or getting out in the woods for a walk or cutting and stacking firewood can be a healthy means of releasing pent up nervous energy and stress.

Nature is a great way to relieve stress and start viewing life with thanks . It's amazing the change as you get out and appreciate the natural beauty all around. If you don't have the ability to get to the beach or the mountains, stop and take a look at what you do have. One day I was standing in what appeared to be a weed patch. As I examined the weeds more closely I was amazed at the beauty of the tiniest buds on them. Even a weed, at close distance is a marvel.

Could you make an effort to add only one simple pleasure to your day?

I started a hobby by buying small cacti at the 99 cent store and replanting in a bigger pot. One, it is inexpensive. Two, you really have to be a poor gardener to not make a cactus grow. I am not kidding. I have had no luck with tomatoes or any vegetable but throw a 99 cent cactus into a new pot and watch it grow. Kind of makes you feel good. Every time I look out my kitchen window I see the little plants I rescued and provided a good home for.

Try some natural stress relief through natural stress reducing supplements. They are frequently as good or better than big drug company prescription drugs.

Music can alleviate a lot of stress. It can calm the children, providing you don't overdose them with sugar and you are the person repsponsible for the selection of the music! Try singing or dancing with the kids, or your spouse for that matter.

You can pick up an instrument on eBay relatively cheaply and experiment. Get something fun and relaxing. I bought a Native American flute that is super easy to play and it sounds very relaxing not to mention it helps my breathing; multiple good benefits.

Try reading and meditating on some Psalms out of the Bible. The Bible says we can make melody in our hearts and laughter is the best medicine. Try speaking peaceful words of encouragement to yourself. Yes, really, speak blessing over yourself.

Exercise can help with stress relief because it provides a way for the body to release tension and pent-up frustration. Exercise heals the mind and shapes up your body.

Knowing the best you can be can be accomplished through some exercise. give yourself a boost of self confidence.

I know good humor can be hard to find, but laughter is some of the best medicine. It helps you to relax, reduces your anxiety as you realize things are not as bad as you may have allowed them to become. Your body physiologically improves with laughter.

You've heard the expression, take only photos and leave only footprints? Get out and take some shots-with a camera. Experiment with close-ups of people and flowers and insects. It can be an amazing form of relaxation and stress release. Who knows, maybe you have a hidden talent never discovered.

Whatever you eventually choose as your preferred stress relief tip, remember to always find time to do it. Don't get so busy you don't take time for yourself.

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