Tips for Reducing Stress Part 1

Laundry is piling up, kid(s) are sick, and work is piling up at the office. Sound familiar? No one managing his or her own life is devoid of stress and too much of it can lead to excessive worry, nervousness, dread, upset stomach, or difficulty breathing. Feelings of a panic attack and anxiety are rising within you. Although it's uncomfortable, the negative feelings of stress WILL PASS. What you should know is, accepting that you are feeling anxious helps activate the body's natural relaxation response. How? Well, keep reading!

For the last few months, I have been juggling family, school, work, blogging and training. To say I was “dealing with stress” is an understatement. To my friends and clients, I looked like I was managing extremely well and that was what I wanted them to think but the reality is, I was on the verge of a full-blown anxiety attack!

I decided, after taking my final, that I would write a 3-part series on Reducing Stress, because lord knows, the last few months have been nothing short of stressful! Researching and writing this has been therapeutic. It’s made me feel that it’s ok to lose your “sh!t” sometimes as long as you take the steps to identify and manage it right!

Symptoms of Stress. (Physical)

Muscular tension, headaches, insomnia, twitching eyelids, fatigue, backaches, neck/shoulder pain, digestive disorders, teeth grinding, sweaty palms.

Symptoms of Stress. (Mental)

Hard time concentration, forgetfulness, lethargy, pessimism, low productivity, confusion.

Symptoms of Stress (Emotional)

Anxiety, frequent crying, irritability, frustration, depression, worrying, nervousness, moodiness, anger, self-doubt and resentment

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Symptoms of Stress (Social)

Loneliness, nagging, withdrawal from social contact, isolation, yelling at others and reduced sex drive.

Sound familiar? I’m sure it does! Here are some tips to help reduce stress and prevent you from a full on anxiety attack!

Tips to Reduce Stress!

1. Learn to say “NO.” Don’t over-commit. Delegate work at home and work.

2. Organize your time. Use a daily planner. Prioritize your tasks. Make a list and A REALISTIC TIMETABLE. Check off tasks as they are completed. This gives you a sense of control of overwhelming demands and reduces anxiety.

3. Be physically active. Big muscle activities, such as walking, are the best for relieving tension.

4. Develop a positive attitude. Surround yourself with positive quotes, soothing music and encouraging people.

5. Relax or meditate. Schedule regular massages, use guided imagery apps or just take 10 minutes for quiet reflection time in a park.

Give these a try and check back with me in a few weeks for part 2! Remember, this is a process and it takes time to get into the routine of it, but it does help!

#StressManagement #Wellness #Anxiety #Healthy #Massage #Recovery #Rest