It's only halfway through the day, and already you've got a headache. Maybe your shoulders and neck ache, as well, and you find yourself feeling exhausted—these are all signs of stress. Not only does stress make you more uncomfortable, more and more it's also a contributing factor in both heart disease and being overweight—Yikes!
It's important to take some time to address your stress, it's for you happiness and for your health. Preventing some stress and learning how to cope with the rest will make you feel more in control, and that's a good feeling!
Don't Try to Do It Alone
More and more often, people have extremely full schedules: work, meetings, kid's clubs and sports, friends, family. Making time for everyone is difficult, and if you try to handle everything by yourself, you'll definitely feel the stress. It's okay to ask for help:
- Maid Services
- Babysitter
- Car pooling
- Switching off kid's meetings with spouse or friends.
If you need an extra hand, don't be hesitant to ask for it, you'll feel a lot less stressed in the long run!
Laugh!
The health benefits of laughter have been proven again and again, and it definitely plays a roll on stress. Laughter lowers certain hormones that trigger stress responses and can instantly make you feel better.
If you don't have time to take in a comedy or sit down to lunch with a friend to get the giggles going, listen to comedians you love while you work. You might want to laugh softly, though; or your coworkers are going to wonder what's so funny!
Take a Five Minute Relaxation Break
When your stress levels are climbing, excuse yourself for a few minutes. It doesn't have to be a long time, just long enough to get away from the situation. Try doing one of these things:
- Exercise: Jog or do jumping jacks in place to release some of the built up tension and energy.
- Breathe: Take deep, slow breaths, counting to five as you inhale, and also counting to five while you exhale.
- Massage: rub your shoulders and neck, then roll them a few times to loosen everything back up.
Don't let stress get to you—fight back!
