3 Healthier Ways to Handle Stress
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us have some favorite ways to sidestep stress. Going for a run, talking to a buddy, or browsing a favorite bookstore may work just fine, but now there are three more good ideas to try.
Care2.com suggests we start by consciously shifting our response to stress into a pattern that’s serene, secure and rejuvenating. Here’s how it works
Pause to Rest and Repair
There are times when we simply have to drop back and let ourselves recover, but what if we built a regular downshift into the day, letting the body slow down and restore itself every night? Establish a quiet time later in the evening as you turn off all of the stimulating messages and blue lights from electronics and wind down with a warm bath, five minutes of slow deep breathing or some soft music and a good book.
Reach Out to Hug and Help
The urge to help and be helped is a natural one. When stress simply won’t let go, talking to a friend can make a world of difference. It’s great to know they are there, and it lets you talk through the problem with someone that you trust. You can keep this comfort in place by staying in touch with friends for regular lunches or dinners. I have a group who has perfected this. We lunch often, and always show up when one of us has a problem. Everybody hugs and then listens to see how they can help. Those lunches have done a lot for all of us, helping us keep our balance and keep going.
Make It Something to Solve
Too often we feel like hiding out when stress hits, but Care2.com tells us there’s a lot to be said for turning the issues into a learning situation. Instead of expecting the worse, ask yourself why you are so stressed and where can answers be found. If others are involved, reach out to them to see how they see the situation. If you know people who have experienced similar problems, ask them what they did, and how it worked.
Make it a puzzle to solve, rather than a predicament. Look for new insights that may help you avoid similar situations in the future. You may not make all of the stress go away, but you may feel a lot better by doing something about it.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Brea, Calif.