Do you have days where everything just seems wonderful, and other days where nothing seems to go your way and all you want to do is cry, or worse yet, scream? It seems no matter how hard we try, stress seems to work its way into our lives. Somedays stress follows us around like a lost puppy. And no matter how well organized we are and how productive we are, stress continues to find a way to cloud our judgement, make our muscles ache, and even cause us to lose sleep at night.
Unfortunately we can’t just snap our fingers and make stress disappear.
But we can find ways to deal with stress, and by that I mean healthy ways to deal with it.
Stress can play tricks with your mind. It can make you feel angry, lonely, or hopeless. It can cause you to think of things, or do things that you wouldn’t normally do, such as yell at someone, slam doors, cry, feel like running away and hiding, or just feel downright miserable. And if left untreated, stress can lead to all kinds of illnesses, such as depression, autoimmune diseases, and heart attacks.
If you feel like stress has invaded your life and overstayed its welcome, here are five ways to say good bye to stress, even if it is just temporarily.
Never Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Knowing when to ask for help is so important.
Whether you are stressed out about something that happened at work, or having too much to do at home, asking for help will make a huge difference.
Think about who you could ask for help in different situations.
Do you have a friend that could watch your kids for a few hours so that you can take a break?
Can you attend counselling sessions to talk about the things that stress you out, such as your job, or a lack of money? Maybe you are dealing with an illness in your family or the death of a loved one. Talking about these things can really help you work through them in a healthy way.
Be a Kid Again – Laugh and Have Fun
Everyone says that as adults we often forget to laugh and just have fun. Laughing is actually one of the best medicines out there, and it doesn’t cost you a thing.
Read a funny book, watch comedy shows, or go to Improv shows.
Go skating or skiing. Try ziplining or, one of my favorites, whitewater rafting.
Any healthy activities that allow you to laugh and have fun again.
Give Yourself a Break
While it is very nice to take a one or two week vacation, sometimes our lives simply do not allow us to do that. If that is the case for you try to take a mini-vacation. Even one or two nights away from your normal routine will make a huge difference.
When you feel stressed you tire easily, and your muscles feel tight and sore. Instead of simply putting up with it or taking one pain killer or muscle relaxant after another, treat yourself to a professional massage or chiropractor appointment. If you can do both on the same day, that’s even better.
Pay Close Attention to Your Diet
A healthy diet is even more important when we feel stressed out. Drinking lots of water and eating lots of fruits and veggies helps our bodies function properly. And when it functions well we feel lighter and more relaxed.
Vitamins play a very important role in your diet. While you may think that you are getting all the vitamins you need from the foods you eat, chances are good that you are not getting enough of each vitamin.
That is where vitamin supplements come in. B vitamins seriously help reduce stress.
A tablespoon of magnesium before bed will put your mind at ease and allow you to sleep for at least eight hours straight.
Protein, first thing in the morning, will help you feel happy and relaxed, as will a strong dose of vitamin D.
And when we feel happy and relaxed there is no room left for stress.
Be Alone or With Good Friends
Some people are happiest when they have quiet time to rest, read a book, complete an adult coloring page, do a puzzle, work on a hobby, or whatever. They truly enjoy their alone time.
Others find that when they are around good friends their stress just disappears. They enjoy chatting and laughing with their buddies, and the comfort and support of their friends makes them feel alive and happy.
You already know what works best for you. So whether it is for five minutes a day or a few hours each day, make time for yourself, and say good bye to stress.
