From time to time Amplivox likes to write blog posts about things that are relevant for everyone’s life and health, not just the portable audio systems and lecterns that we make. Here is another blog on handling stress:Stress is a killer. Sometimes literally, sometimes causing major health problems that can eventually lead to death including high blood pressure, stroke, allergies, and diabetes to name a few.
Stress is not always as avoidable as we would like, especially in high pressure work environments or dealing with problematic relationships, but we can learn to prevent and react to stress in a healthy way. Money and work are the top stress causers and affect about 75% of Americans.
Here are some ways we can change our habits and lives so that we have less stress:
1. Exercise. Cannot stress this enough. Exercising releases endorphins and makes you happy and less rigid. If you do not enjoy exercise, find a way to make it enjoyable or at least bearable.
2. Listen to music that puts a smile on your face. Here is a sampling of one song that does
that for me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM88kxxMlhQ 3. Laugh + Smile. Even if you are stressed out, laughing can ease the tension. I recommend checking in at this site: The Daily Bunny or subscribing to something funny on Twitter or Facebook.
4. Play games. Whether it be video games, board games, or joking around with coworkers, this can ease the tension and give the brain a light-hearted vacation from some of life’s pressing matters.
5. Keep close relationships. Whether it be a coworker, spouse, tennis-buddy, family member, or old college buddy, keep relationships in tact.
6. Get some fresh air and sunlight. Kill two birds with one stone by going on a outdoor jog or bike ride. Getting fresh air and sunlight is especially important in the winter months due to Seasonal Affective Disorder.
7. Give yourself time to enjoy what you enjoy. It can be easy to let work and time pressures consume us so that we forget something basic and important...enjoying our life!
8. Declutter your workspace. A clear workspace can give you a clear mind. This is important especially for those who have the luxury of working from home.
9. Be positive. Any time you can be overly negative, go back to number 3 and say something good about the situation. It can be really hard, too hard...but it does actually help (see I did it there!).
10. Clear your mind. Either go for a walk, turn off all electronics for a while to give your mind some chill time.
Some stress “relievers” that just cause more problems and stress in the long run:
- Substance abuse
- Smoking
- Overeating
- Drinking alcohol to excess
- Gambling
1. Make a list of things that stress you and make you anxious.
2. Brainstorm ways to limit the stress those things cause.
3. Write 5 things that you are thankful about in that situation. Example: paying for college tuition for your kid. Be thankful for your child, their desire for education, their ability to learn)
4. Keep a journal to track your progress and give you a place to vent. You do not want to burnout.
5. Schedule time to incorporate 1-10 above to manage stress and remind yourself to do them
What are some things that help you de-stress?? Leave a comment!
Resources Used:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/52427/stress_is_a_killer_the_psychological.html
http://www.proactivechange.com/stress/statistics.htm
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/16689/10_secrets_and_destressing_tips_for_pg3.html?cat=25
http://ezinearticles.com/?4-Key-Tips-For-De-Stressing-The-Mind&id=1008886
http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/strategies-for-de-stressing.aspx
