“Annual vacations cut the risk of heart attacks in men by 30 percent and by 50 percent in women. Leisure and rest build resiliency and it’s much easier to keep a person well, with less medication, than it is to improve a depressive state.”
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America Avoids Vacation | HuffingtonPost.com | 7.26.11
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“The stress management technique that worked best, according to the survey: planning. In other words, “fighting stress before it even starts, planning things rather than letting them happen,” says Epstein. “That means planning your day, your year and your life so that stress is minimized.”
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Plan Your Way to Less Stress, More Happiness | Time. com | 5.31.11
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“Noise activates the body’s stress reaction, and living in an environment of chronic noise pollution leads to a condition of chronic stress. Research shows too much noise can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. It interrupts our natural sleep cycles, which creates even more stress.”
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Concentration and Silence | HuffingtonPost.com | 7.24.11
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Did you ever use flash cards as a kid? I did. I have to admit that I didn’t like them very much. But that’s me. You might like them a whole lot. Or, maybe you haven’t tried them yet. Thank me later, but here’s your chance to try them out.
Why? Because they can imprint really important data on your brain and help you remember the little and big things. Like the things you love. Things that make you feel spectacular. You-things.
These mini “me-lists” are a great way to pull yourself out of the dumps and remember how to stay in sync. On track. Feeling good. Making these cards are definitely worth the time and effort. The pay off is big – not just for you – but everyone around you, too.
So, let’s practice.
Supplies you need:
1. Index cards (any color will do) or your favorite notebook
2. Sharpies or your fave pen/pencil
3. Open mind
Write down at least 3 things or people that make you feel:
1. Motivated
2. Inspired
3. De-stressed or calm
4. Rejuvenated
5. Smiley and happy Psst! If it’s a person that makes you feel giddy or giggly, give ‘em a call!
Why?
Because everybody needs a pick-me-up once in a while. When those times come around, why waste time scratching your head (unless it itches)? Grab your mini-lists, make a decision to change your mood, and kick stress in the arse. Simply follow your notes to get to a better (or productive or interesting or fabulous or insert your own adjective) day.
Remember, stress is like dust. It keeps coming back.
But, if you have tools in your arsenal, you’ll come out on the winning side every time.
“A clean room could lead to a better night’s sleep. Adding a few simple tasks to your routine — taking a little time at the end of the day to straighten up your bedroom, making your bed when you first wake up and washing the bed linens once a week — can help to create a relaxing ambience for your sleep environment.”
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An Easy Trick for Better Sleep | HuffingtonPost.com | 3.17.11
Sometimes life just kicks you in the face. Sometimes it gives you such angst and pain that you just throw your hands up in the air or curl up in the fetal position. Sometimes it gives you real pain that lands you in the emergency room and taking meds at midnight.
Sometimes it spares you this pain and jumps to someone you love. And there’s nothing you can do about it. This is what happened last night. While I was in a meeting across town, my husband had to be taken to the hospital. The word “appendicitis” was being bantered about. Thankfully, it turned out that his appendix was in great shape and he was allowed to go home. So, now today’s events are all about getting him better and figuring out this mystery illness.
Why am I telling you this story? Because life will always hurl things at you. When you’re not looking. And you haven’t fully pulled up your pants. This is the very reason why your mum always told you to wear clean underwear.
You just have to roll with it by…
1. Remaining calm. Sure, easier said than done, but it’s a wonderful thing when you can get your emotions under control. My thoughts last night… I knew I couldn’t help him AND he was in the best place to get the attention he needed AND he was with someone I trusted to care for him the way I would – his mother.
2. Thinking logically. This is why #1 is so important. It helps you to string together thoughts that actually make sense, and you’ll be able to make a preliminary plan about what to do next. My plan last night was to keep getting updates and head to the hospital. Btw, “what if’s” do not allow you to think logically so don’t even go there.
3. Breathing continuously. Ok, so holding your breath is not so good. Your brain likes oxygen and rewards you with #2. If you find that you have trouble breathing, call somebody and start talking. See, now you’re breathing again.
4. Keeping your head up. You’ll have a better chance of seeing what’s coming next when you’re not looking at the ground or if your head’s between your knees. When this one is hard to do, refer to #1.
So today’s post is totally organic…not thought out ahead of time…it’s happening right now, in the moment. And, sometimes, that’s how life is. Fix what you can fix. Shove the worry to the back of your mind or simply kick it out all together.
And roll with it while you’re pulling up your pants.
“Employees’ stress levels are skyrocketing. In a new survey by CareerBuilder, 51 percent of workers say their workloads have increased over the last six months; 27 percent haven’t taken a personal or sick day in the past few years; and 26 percent have experienced health issues tied to job stress.”
Read More:
Survey Says: Americans Are Literally in Love with Their Smartphones | AOL.com | 1.19.11
You’ve heard it before – if you want to reduce your stress, you have to make some changes. You need to unplug and give Facebook a break. Put your phone down. Exercise more. Yadda yadda yadda.
Well, it’s all true, so here are 5 quick ways to get more stress-busting activities in your day.
1. Breathe! When we get stressed, we sometimes take more shallow breaths. So, throughout your day, take note of your breathing and make sure you’re taking deep breaths. Your brain will thank you.
2. Get a Pedometer. Did you know that you should be taking 10,000 steps per day? Get a pedometer to help you figure out how much you’re walking and motivate you to add more steps daily (like taking the stairs instead of the elevator and walking to restroom furthest from you when at work).
3. Dance. Or Sing. Or play your favorite music. One three minute song can instantly lift your mood and shove stress out the door.
4. Make a List. So, this might not sound like fun, but a list can help you gain better control of the things you need and want to do. You can write as many things down as you’d like, but focus on just one (or two) things that you’ll tackle…or pass on to someone else.
5. Talk to Yourself. Sounds strange, I know, but you can talk yourself through a stressful situation. You can turn it upside down and look at it from a different point of view…a more “glass half full” perspective and remind yourself that you get to start fresh tomorrow.
What do you do kick stress in the arse?
“The women in high-stress jobs who developed heart disease had heart attacks, strokes or needed coronary-artery bypass or balloon angioplasty. The increased risk of heart attack alone was 88%. “
Read More:
Job stress hikes risk of heart disease for women | LATimes.com | 11.14.10
“In the context of a happy life, a messy coat closet should be trivial…but there is something about getting ahold of physical clutter that makes people feel energized, freer and happier. Order contributes to inner calm for most people.” ~Gretchen Rubin
Read More:
Four ways to get organized around the house this summer · Jura Koncious · June 24, 2010 · WashingtonPost.com
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