Get Rid of Stress
We all need to get rid of excess stress. Few people realize how destructive and debilitating stress really is to their lives. Instead of wishing it different, there are real things we can do to lessen the drain of daily accumulations of stress.
We can’t, and wouldn’t want, to have all stress removed. It has its usefulness to help us handle urgent situations, but modern day life and mentalities give us more than we were ever meant to handle. So, when you’ve received advice to get rid of your stress, or have those physical symptoms of “too much overwhelm”, why not try some of the relaxation suggestions here?
I also have a mood helium section, from the old “House of Happiness” blog, filled with all the things that help me feel relaxed or happy – or both! If you want further inspiration from poetry, art, suggestions for spa products or ideas on how to enjoy life more, check out “Happy Thoughts” for some mood helium.
Start with some good advice from dogs that someone gave a human voice:
Things We Can Learn From A Dog
- Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
- Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
- When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
- When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
- Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
- Take naps and stretch before rising.
- Run, romp and play daily.
- Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
- Be loyal.
- Never pretend to be something you’re not.
- If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
- When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
- Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
- Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
- On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
- When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
- No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout …run right back and make friends.
- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Exercise articles
Be sure to keep up your exercise program. Exercise is one way to relieve stress, along with things that you do to relax and renew yourself. So don’t let your exercise program be a source of stress: find things you enjoy, pace yourself, diversify your activities.
One of the reasons exercise is a stress reliever is because it gets your circulation going and causes your body to release endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that affect your brain to reduce perception of pain and can trigger positive feelings in the body (if you have experienced “runner’s high” you know what this feels like.
I have put together some helpful relaxation hints
Relaxation Hints
Helpful Hints and Tips for Getting Rid of Stress
- Allow yourself some private time each day, as little as half an hour can make a difference.
- Pray and meditate.
- Take a long walk. Exercise that relaxes and gives new perspectives is rejuvenating.
- Buy a bouquet of flowers for yourself. Or pick one from your garden, even roadside Queen Anne’s Lace will do
- Turn off the phone, and allow your answering machine to pick up your calls. This is a mindsaver.
- Snuggle up with a good book.
- Put on your favorite music. You can even turn it up loud, and dance; if you have toddlers they love this, too.
- Call a friend, and settle in with a hot cup of tea, give yourself time to enjoy the conversation.
- Run the hot water, pour in bath salts, and luxuriate in your tub for a long, fragrant soak at the end of the day.
- Indulge in getting (or giving) a massage.
- Fix a little favorite comfort food.
- Recall favorite memories, and allow yourself to recreate that feeling with loved ones, or a special moment in your life.
- Write. In your journal, or a love letter to anyone you love, or a poem to express yourself
- Treat yourself to a trip to the salon,a manicure and a pedicure, a shampoo and styling, nothing too different, maybe, but just for the fun
- Rent a great video. Or better yet, go to the library, and borrow it with some good books
- New Books! There are times only a Borders or Barnes and Noble store will do! Spend the afternoon, on your own or with a friend.
- Start a Blessings journal, and take time for God.
- Go outside: to the beach, hike in the park, walk in the neighborhood. Bask in the sunshine, examine the trees and the flowers, make up pictures in the clouds, delight in the day.
This article was originally published by Ilona Erwin © Copyright 1999 – 2018
