Tips on reducing stress

Stress is a heightened sense of awareness that lets us know when something is wrong. This could happen when you just have way to much on your plate or when you are in a dangerous situation. Stress is completely natural and can happen to anyone. Sometimes it can be useful by heightening the senses and quickening your reaction time. Other times stress can just be an alarm system to let you know when you are in danger. Ultimately stress is there to let you know when something is wrong or difficult for you to cope with.

Sometimes it is really easy to identify feeling stress and the reasoning behind why you feel that way. In these cases it is easier to eliminate the problem and find a solution. Other times it can be more difficult to recognize and recognizing this emotion is the first step to finding a solution. There are many different signs and signals your body gives you.

Some signs of stress are listed bellow.

• Headaches
• Sweating
• Clammy palms
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Confusion or feeling blank
• Wanting to isolate yourself
• Change in appetite
• Inability to sleep
• Feeling depressed
• Short temper
• Racing thoughts
• Rapid heart beat

These are some of the signs of stress but there are many more you can look for.

Once you have recognized that you are stressed out there are many things you can do to relax.

Walk away

If you are in a situation you don't have to be in just walk away. There is no reason to be in a situation that causes you stress unless you have no other alternative. It is common to forget that you have the power to leave situations that upset you or make you feel uncomfortable.

Take a break

If you are feeling overwhelmed and cannot altogether leave the situation take a break. This is a good strategy for when you feel that you have way to much on your plate or have obligations you must finish. You will feel much better afterwards and the people around you will probably appreciate your company much more once you are feeling better.

Take a walk

If you are not in any particular situation that is stressing you out and it is just life in general take a walk. Exercise boosts endorphins and endorphins are your bodies natural feel good medicine. Also walking gives you time to clear and organize your thoughts.

Talk to some one

It really works! Even if you think that no one will understand you should try this anyways. Just venting and being able to blow off some steam is calming. Also being able to hear yourself out loud can give you a whole new perspective.

Write it down

When you have to much on your plate try writing down a list. Sort out what you have to do starting out with what needs to be finished first. Then move on to things that need to get accomplished but not as urgent. Next right down the things you would like to and what ever is left over. This is an awesome way to prioritize everything so nothing important gets left undone. Making a list clears your mind and it is much easier to get things done when you have something to reference to like a list.

Find Something amusing

It is easier to relax when you have something else to focus on. Try a stress ball or a puzzle. Anything that you can play with that makes you focus on anything besides what bothering you. These are great tools to use when you are taking a break or breather.

Often getting organized can reduce stress. Get a calendar you can hang on the wall is a great way to start. Get a planner you can take with you wherever you go this way it easy to make and keep appointments. This also makes it harder to spread yourself to thin. Being able to visually see what is coming later in the day or week can give you the proper time to prepare. getting organized gives you the opportunity to scheduled time for yourself whether it is a whole day or just a few hours. Not keeping everything in your head allows you to have a clearer mind. Having a clear mind helps to prevent stress.

Often times it is easy to get wrapped up in responsibilities and day to day life that we just simply forget to take care of ourselves. Finding the time to catch a breathe is very important. Stress can be damaging to your body and mind if not addressed appropriately. Often we get stressed when we are busy. In those cases it is way to easy to talk ourselves out of taking care of ourselves. Skipping meals going from one task to the next until bed is unhealthy. Remember that these little breaks for yourself are necessary and you deserve them. Taking short breaks throughout the day will improve the way your mind and body feel and will improve other areas in your life too.