Self Improvement For A Better Life…

Can YOU control stress?

Stress is something that all of us deal with from time to time but unfortunately, there are times whenever it may get so strong that it can be difficult to handle.  Some of us may even experience anxiety attacks, a very common occurrence in today’s world.  The reality of it is, however, stress, in itself, is not necessarily a bad thing.  As a matter of fact, we need stress in order to deal with situations that come up in our lives that need a bit more attention than usual, just run of the mill, everyday issues. Thing is, although we need it, we also need to learn to control stress.

The problem occurs whenever the stress gets so difficult to handle or appears so often, that it seems to just compound itself.  There comes a time when we are seemingly unable to handle the situation, and eventually, we are going to need to learn how to control the stress otherwise it is going to ruin our lives.

One way that you can do this is by changing your thinking.  I know that sounds rather simplistic, but it is one of the most effective ways for you to be able to handle and control the stress that you are under.

If you are already at breaking point as far as your stress is concerned, it may take a little bit of time to adjust your thinking and benefit from this particular method.  The good news is, you will experience almost immediate results that you will be able to identify with rather quickly.  Simply begin to change the way that you think about stress and to look at your situation in life through a more positive aspect.  It is not necessary, or  probably possible for you to get rid of your stress altogether, that would be counterproductive.  What is necessary, however, is to learn to control stress, and realize that not everything needs to be on your shoulders, and quite honestly, there are some things that you cannot change.

If you set aside the things that you cannot change and stop fretting over them, that will leave you only with the situations or problems that should concern you.  By dealing with them one at a time, considering that the others will have to wait until you get to them, you will be able to eventually get through the list and control stress more effectively.

You may also want to set up specific “YOU” time in order to help to control stressful situations.  If your stress level remains at an elevated state for too long, it can actually affect your health and this can make it more difficult for us to get through our day-to-day activities.  That is why it is a good idea to schedule some stress busting time for yourself, perhaps through going out with friends, or even taking up a sport etc.  Even doing something for ourselves such as this a few times a month can really go a long way in reducing our stress levels.

It’s really just a case of understanding the actual causes of your stress or anxiety, then it becomes far easier to enjoy a better life, apparently without stress… If you are able to do this, it is a method that you can use for the rest of your life to successfully control stress.

How much of what you intended to do today, did you actually accomplish?

Far less than you expected is often normal… That’s because the pressures of modern life have a nasty habit of running right over you so that you spend most of your time “catching up”. So here’s a few tips…

Get control… Know what you have to do, and get it done. For example, when it is time to get from home to work or from work to home, you will be ready for the transition.

To accomplish this, you’ll want to think of your ‘work time’ and your ‘personal time’ as existing in two different worlds. Each of these ‘worlds’ requires different skills and a different focus, but they are both important.

You can use some of the ideas here to create a ‘transition’ ritual for yourself – one that gets you out of one world and ready for another.

To go from home to work, you can try these things:

Get things ready the night before. Don’t wait until the chaos of the morning to pack lunches and iron clothes. Sign homework and pack your briefcase or car for work the night before, so you don’t forget anything. The less rattled you are going into the day, the less unbalanced you will feel throughout the day. Set your alarm and get up on time so you don’t have to rush. Always allow enough time for that last minute emergency, if you have kids. They have a way of foiling the best-laid plans.

You can try getting up before everyone else does if you think this might work for you. That will give you a little quiet time to get things done in peace before the rest of the house starts to stir and you are less likely to forget things in the rush. Some people use this extra quiet time to have a cup of coffee and write out their list for the day. Whatever works for you is fine!

Be sure you don’t run short on time to get to work. If you have young children, you have to be creative here. A ‘goodbye’ routine is a good idea. One that is fun and easy for the kids to get into will make the drop-off at daycare a lot easier and you will be out the door in no time.

These routines take a few tries to get right, so be patient with yourself and your children. Perhaps you can make a game of the tasks to be performed on the way out the door by using the familiar ‘Simon Says’. “Simon says get your lunch out of the refrigerator”.

Have a plan for what you will do if your child is sick or if you wake up to a foot of snow and you can’t miss work.

Use your trip to work – by train, car or bus – to read a book you enjoy, make a list of action items for the day, have a cup of your favorite coffee or listen to your favorite CD or meditation tape. You’ll need that sense of Zen and organization to get ready for the day, and you’ll greet the problems of the day with calm, and focused approach…

Ok, that will get you started… But now what?

How about a FREE book? Currently, my blog readers can get this ebook free… See opposite.

In this age of modern technology, it is easy to get so used to indoor entertainment such as TV or video games etc, that your garden (or backyard) is rarely visited, and often becomes a neglected “waste-ground”.

In order to beat stress, you need to get out in the fresh air… It rejuvenates you, makes you feel more alive, and can take your mind off work or business problems for a while. Not everyone is interested in “gardening”, but there is so much more you can do out there (weather permitting)…

When most of us think of garden or backyard activities, children come to mind.  While children may enjoy being outside, they are not the only individuals who enjoy participating in backyard activities.  In fact, many adults also enjoy being outside in their yards.  Whether you are retreating your backyard alone or with some friends, you may want to think of some fun or relaxing backyard activities. This can easily be done by examining some of the most popular garden or backyard activities, especially those that are designed with adults in mind.

As previously mentioned, many adults use their gardens to relax. If you are looking to do this, you may want to examine your garden or patio furniture.  The furniture that you have available may make it possible, or even impossible, to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in your yard.  Popular furniture, used to help achieve relaxation, may include lounge chairs or hammocks.  If you do not have any comfortable lawn or patio furniture, you may want to consider purchasing some.  Most, on and offline retail stores, carry a fairly large selection of patio furniture.

Although many adults use their backyards as a source of relaxation, others use it for excitement.  If you are looking for fun backyard activities, there are literally an unlimited number of things that you can do. These activities may include playing sports games, going for a swim, or having a barbecue.  All of these garden or backyard activities are ideal for individuals of all ages.

If you are interested in playing sports games in your garden or backyard, you will have to think about the games that you would be interested in playing. You may also want to examine whether or not you would be playing alone or with someone else. If you are interested in playing a game by yourself, basketball or a singles game of horseshoes may be ideal. In addition to being ideal for singles games, horseshoes and basketball are also great games for when more than one player is participating.  Additional multi-player games may include soccer, football, tennis, badminton, or volleyball.

The above mentioned games are ideal because just about everyone one can participate in them.  Most gardens or backyards are able to accommodate a number of different backyard sports games.  However, to go swimming, you will have to have a pool.  Even though pools are popular, not everyone has one. If you are unable to have an in-ground or an aboveground pool installed in your backyard, a kiddie pool maybe a nice alternative.  While kiddie pools are designed with small children in mind, they are great for wading in hot weather, even for adults.

A barbecue is another backyard activity that is enjoyed by many adults.  Since most households already have a grill, you may not have to purchase anything besides your food.  If you do not have a barbecue grill, many small ones can be purchased for around twenty dollars.  Barbeques are great backyard activities, all on their own, but they also work well in conjunction with swimming or other outdoor activities.

In addition to enjoying, the above mentioned, popular garden or backyard activities, you may also want to make up your own.  Whether you create your own unique game or stick to traditional backyard games, it is likely that you will be pleased with your decision to entertain yourself outside.  There are many adults that just enjoy being outside, even if they are not participating in anything particular.

If you haven’t used YOUR garden or backyard in a while, try it out, relax, beat your stress, and see what you’re missing!

Many people have everyday things that bother them.  It may be someone at work, a money issue, and the traffic on your ride home or a loved one.  No matter what the reason is, you need to deal with it and find a way to relieve your stressful situation.  There are some things that you can do to help make the stress disappear and make your life fun and happy again.

Relieving stress can be anything that you like to do.  If you enjoy long evening walks alone or with a loved one, this is a great way to relieve your stress.  You can enjoy this time to talk about your feelings and things that are causing stress in your life.

When you are at work, you need to get up from your desk or station and take breaks.  You can do this at different points throughout the day.  When you start to feel the pressures kicking in, you may need to get up and walk away.  It is important to go and take a walk or go outside and get some fresh air.  Give yourself time to gather your thoughts and take time for yourself.

Getting plenty of exercise is very important.  You will need to make sure that you are getting the right amount of exercise that will help you feel good about your body and it will also help to clear your mind from stress that can build up.  Eating right is very smart too.  You need to eat a balanced diet that will give you the essential nutrients that your body is going to need.

You can also take long rides in the country.  Getting out of the house and getting some, fresh air may be what you need for a nice pick ‘me up’.  This is a great opportunity to take in the sights and the different atmosphere that surrounds you.  You can take the drive alone or with someone special to make it wonderful romantic getaway.  Plan a romantic picnic lunch for you and your special someone as well.

Taking a hot bath is something that works to relieve any kind of stressful situation.  You can take the time to fill the tub with hot water and lots of bubbles and this will give you the safe haven that you are looking for to ease out all of your stress. Light some candles for the aromatherapy that your mind needs to get it relaxed and feeling free.  This will help to take away the stress and the problems that take over our body and mind.

Drink a cup of your favorite tea.  You can sit back and relax with your favorite brew and enjoy a good book or watch the stars in the sky.  This is a great method of relaxation that your mind and body needs to relieve the stress.  You will be able to appreciate the time that you have to yourself and let your mind wander freely.

When you know how to calm your stress and your body, you will find that you can deal with more situations and the stress is not taking over your body.  You will be able to break away from the cycle that stress can cause and this will bring you back to place that you want to be.