Stress Management Tip #12

Schedule Worry Time - Some stressors demand immediate attention; but many low-grade stressors can be dealt with at a later time, when it's more convenient. File them away in a little mental compartment, or make a note then deal with them when the time is right.

Don't let the stressors control you. Ask, "Is this a now thing? Can it wait?"

BE IN CONTROL

Stress Management Tip #11

Warm Up Rub your hands together vigorously until they feel warm. Then cup them over your closed eyes for five seconds while you breathe deeply. The warmth and darkness are comforting.

This is a really clever way to fool your body into destressing. It will make you feel good almost instantly. Rubbing your hands together will release some energy; but, the warmth on your eyes is the real trick!

Stress Management Tip #10

Smell that? Oils of anise, basil, bay, chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rose, and thyme are all soothing. Place a few pieces of rock salt in a small vial, then add a couple of drops of the oil of your choice (the rock salt absorbs the oil). Open the vial and breathe in the scent whenever you need a quick stress release.

This is such a cool trick to make sure the oils don't leak. Cotton in a vial works too; however, rock salt tends to hold the scents longer.

Stress Management Tip #9

Count to ten before you say or do something you'll regret, step away from the stressor and collect yourself. You can also look away for a moment or put the caller on hold. Important to realize that from an action to a reaction there is an element of time that you want to use to your advantage.

Just Say No!

Trying to do everything is a one-way ticket to serious stress. Be clear about your limits, and stop trying to please everyone all the time.

Remember this tip works for calming down a child as well as a grown up!

Stress Management Tip #8

Put it on paper Writing provides perspective. When you write down the stressor, your next step is to write what you can do about it.

Here is an example: My wife doesn’t close the kitchen drawers. When she gets something out, she leaves the drawers open. It was really annoying me. So I wrote down all my options: I could get angry, takes forever to cool down. I could divorce her, wow that is drastic. I could close the drawers, takes all of 3 seconds. Guess what I chose, if you guessed, close drawers, you were right.

You will see that the response to your stressor is manageable once you realize that you are in control of the situation. Cool, right?

Stress Management Tip #7

Compose a Mantra Devise an affirmation statement, a short, clear, positive statement that focuses on your coping abilities. Silence the self-critical voice we all carry with us that only adds to our stress. Example: “I feel calm. I can handle this.” “I am strong, I can do this.” “I am too blessed to be stressed!”

I used to say, "Ain't no thing, I have had MUCH worse!" My friend in college used to say, "At least I'm not y0u!" Sounds like he was ahead of his time, he had a stress reduction mantra and it really worked!

Stress Management Tip #6

Stop Gritting Your Teeth Stress tends to settle in certain parts of our bodies, the jaw being one of them. When things get hectic, clench your teeth and inhale deeply. Hold the breath for a moment, and as you exhale say, "Ah-h-h-h," then unclench your teeth. Repeat a few times. Clenching your teeth let you know what unclenching feels like!

Remember - motion produces emotion. Grit your teeth and you will feel stressed.