UGH, Why The Stress?

Being stressed sucks, noone likes to feel it, noone wants to have to deal with it...but it happens and theres no way around it, so we have to learn some coping skills to get beyond it.

Cortisol is what causes the 'flight or fight' feeling in us, its our bodys chemical reaction to stress, making us sweat, our hearts race, we breathe heavier taking in more oxygen because our body is preparing for the 'flight or fight' response.

All this...and believe me, if theres a lot of stress in ur life...can and will cause ailments. Ailment such as, but not in anyway limited to: insomnia, panic attacks, depressions, anxiety attacks, food addictions, hypertension, headaches and migraines, and many much worse ailments.

Stress NEEDS to be removed as much as possible and for those that cant, u need to find ways to de-stress and to be calm and serene. We need coping skills and the right mindset. Is this easy..hell no! But a few things can be done and the following are ways I feel have helped me.

DO A CRAFT

I find that doing crafting like scrapbooking, decorating my life planner, doing DIY's, taking photos and videos, helps to keep me calm and it takes my mind off of things that are worrying and stressing me.

DO YOGA

Stretching helps me to relieve tensions in my muscles, it promotes relaxation and the release of toxins built up in ur muscles.

GO FOR THE GOOD FOODS

When I'm stressed I want to rush to my favorite food buddy...chocolate. And since I'm a chocoholic with strong urges to over-eat when stressed, this is a totally bad idea for me, so i have to remember to keep fresh, easy to get to snacks on hand.

This includes, fresh spinach for quick salads, a package of frozen eggrolls to microwave just one, canned salmon mixed with raspberry vinegarette instead of mayo for a half slice of pita bread, and fresh fruit, like oranges peeled and stored in the fridge waiting for me. Make a list of things u like and are healthy and when u get home from the store with them, package them so they are grab and go.

HANG AROUND UR BESTIE

Hanging around ur best friend/s is a great way to relieve stress and help improve ur mood. Going out and doing things, like going to have coffee, going to a party, hugging, ect. Ur best friend can help put things into a better perspective and help ease ur mind. I am always bouncing my emotions and ideas off my bestie! :)

LISTEN TO MUSIC

Music relaxes me as long as I'm not drowning my tears in sorrow...well, less I have to, because a good cry is a stress reliever also, so if thats what u need to do, then do it. But, upbeat, happy music can relieve stress and get u moving and dancing, which helps in all ways. It's exercise folks, lol :) I watch my favorite shows on Youtube, my favorite DIY's and Youtubes on how to run my business better. And comedies with my bestie have me laughing and not thinking on whats stressing me! :)

SELF MASSAGE

I love love love self massage, it is a great way to relieve stress. It helps get the blood flowing in the morning and releases toxins from ur body right away. And once before bedtime helps relax u so u can sleep better. Use ur favorite lotions or oils!

STEP AWAY

Now and then, if u spend hours on ur mobile phone, ur tablet, ur computer...step away. Reading small text upon a screen causes u to squint a lot, that and bright lights can cause headaches, as can slouching to see. Be aware of what ur body feels and does when u are on ur electronics. I usually try to step away every hour or so and do other things, though at times I forget to, cause the hours seem to pass quickly, so I set an alarm and stretch, walk around, or clean house...which totally needs it all the time. :)

HOUSE PLANTS

House plants and even pets can be a stress reliever, as can a garden. Anything bringing u closer to nature is great. When u step away from ur electronics, step closer to smelling the earth and giving ur pet a good walk or cuddle. Not only will u feel relaxed and calm, but ur pet will to. :)

MEDITATION

Meditation and deep breathing can help u focus and calm ur mind and bodys reactions to stress. Go to a quiet spot, sit comfy any way u wish or lie down and think on relaxing all ur limbs while breathing slowly, deeply, in and out, think on any good thing, like a place u love, or fantasize on a place u would love to be, get into detail in ur mind...the look of the place, what does it smell like, is it warm, etc? Do that for at least 10 to 20 minutes. If ur mind goes to negative things, shake ur head, say "NO!" and go back to where u were in ur meditation. :)

These are just a few things I try to do when stressed, I hope that they can help u also. Thank u for reading my smexy peeps! BYE! :)