Ways To Relieve Stress; How To Stay Grounded In A Stressful World

We live in a crazy, stressful world. Fortunately there are simple, easy steps we can take to reduce stress in our lives. In fact, sometimes reading or listening to stress relief methods can help us to feel calmer and enable us to stay grounded in everyday life. We can't eliminate stress completely from our lives, but how we define it, think about it and manage it can make a difference in every aspect of our lives.

Have you ever heard the phrases, "Keep your feet on the ground", "stay grounded in the here and now", "get your head out of the clouds", or "back to planet earth"? These are all reminders to keep ourselves grounded, secure, realistic, connected, centered and focused. We give mental support to our minds by keeping them clear of clutter, dirt and debris, just as we strive to keep our homes clean and clutter free. Controlling our thought life is the first step to relieve stress mentally.

Just Say No List

I'm convinced that humans think too much. Our brains have enough to do without adding stress by allowing unnecessary , self-sabotaging thoughts. It helps to set up boundaries and to filter your thoughts. Make your own list of Just Say No thoughts and be vigilant when a nagging thought from the list approaches. After some practice, it becomes easier to ignore these unwanted thoughts by dismissing them as non-essential. Just say no.

It has been proven through brain research that even small amounts of time spent in a meditative state helps to relieve stress and calm the central nervous system. Meditation can be as simple as sitting quietly for five or ten minutes thinking about nothing in particular, closing your eyes and focusing on what you 'see', listening to meditative music while sitting still. I've even managed a meditative state on the treadmill while focusing on the blue sky, trees and water in my back yard. Making it a habit is the hardest part. It helps to set aside a certain amount of time each day for at least two weeks whether you want to or not. Meditation can help to ground us in this stressful world. Nothing worthy is gained without some degree of effort.

Healthy Food Is Fuel For The Body

Our physical body is built to endure considerable amounts of stress provided we are nourishing it with essential nutrients and vitamins it needs to perform well. It's ability to convert nutrients into energy is dependent upon the quality, quantity and frequency of food intake. Healthy food is excellent fuel for our body. It's important to eat fresh, 'live' foods such as cultured yogurt and sprouts, both of which can be made and grown at home. Fresh fruits, nuts, seeds and protein rich foods are excellent foods to help relieve stress.

• lean meats
• fish
  
• low -fat cheese
• tofu
• eggs
• beans
• whole grains
  
• root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, beets, onions
• water

It is best to stay away from high-fat, high-calorie, sugary foods and drinks which can have an over-stimulating effect on the nervous system. Local, fresh, organic foods are generally the best choices. Some people find it helps to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.

Daily exercise helps the body to regulate itself and to strengthen and balance the physical body, including the brain. Some of the exercises that help relieve stress and help us stay grounded include:

• walking
  
• hiking
  
• biking
  
• gardening
  
• backpacking
  
• yoga, tai chi
• swimming
  
• dancing
  
• working out
  

Anything done outside gives the added benefit of fresh air and the beauty of nature. If you have work-out machines, use them or join a club if it helps to have a routine, plus the added benefit of social contact.

There are also many great ways to exercise and use your body without equipment. The song "I Like To Move It" comes to mind. (I know, a little nerve wracking, but fun; a little craziness is a great stress reliever.) Enjoy!

If you haven't exercised for a while and feel especially stressed, it's always best to consult with a doctor first just to be on the safe side. Your medical professional will be able to suggest the best exercises for your current condition. Some companies now have an exercise program as part of their wellness program. Look into it and see what is available.

If finances are an issue, many fitness clubs, including YMCAs will determine a payment fee based on your income. Otherwise, make a plan of what you want to do at home and perhaps find a work-out partner.

Yesterday is gone.

Tomorrow has not come.

We have only today. Let us begin. ~ Mother Teresa

Anything that involves making things with our hands also helps to relieve stress, unless you're trying to assemble a preschoolers bike at midnight on Christmas Eve. ( I'm sure most parents have one of these stories!) The following activities are all fantastic stress relievers and help to keep us grounded. I've heard that playing drums is an excellent way to balance the brain and release tension.

• Pottery,
• carpentry,
• photography,
• knitting,
• artwork,
• crafting,
• writing,
• playing a musical instrument,
• finger painting,
• sculpting with clay or play-dough

Find or choose something you love to do or take a free class at the local library. There are many free resources available when you start looking through the newspaper or google 'free activities' in your area. You're worth the time

Men for the sake of getting a living forget to live. ~

Margaret Fuller

Social Contact Is Important

Humans are social beings. We have the ability and need to communicate with others. More people are now working from their homes or may be faced with illness or a condition which keeps them at home. Millions are faced with unemployment and may be experiencing isolation or depression.  Our souls need ways to feel relief and calm.

It's important to make social contact with friends and or family to help relieve stress. It's always fun to invite a friend over for a meal or make a simple coffee date just to get out of the house and be around people. Even if you go by yourself, sitting at a local coffee shop or cafe can often lead to a casual conversation with someone. Who knows, it could be a great way to meet a new friend or a potential job lead. Go to the local park, or beach, the mall, anywhere you like to go where there are people.

Join a club of interest. There are clubs for just about every thing. We feel better about ourselves when we feel we have the right to be in this world and contribute. Each of us have strengths and talents that we can share with others. Stress is relieved when we're around others who share our passions or causes. It helps ground us when we can be connected to others and give of ourselves.

If you're in a situation where you need support and assistance, use your local resources to find and receive the best help. Churches often reach out to the community to help those in need. One of your friends, co-workers or family members may be more than willing to help you figure out your finances or brainstorm job opportunities or simply be a listening ear while sharing family concerns.

In conclusion, we can't get away from discussing ways to relieve stress and stay grounded without mentioning our breath life. When we are more conscious of our breathing and focus on breathing deeper, fuller breaths, we begin to notice a change in our bodies. Deep breaths help to oxygenate the blood. Exhaling fully helps to eliminate the toxins from our systems. Even taking one conscious breath is grounding and relaxing. It's free and can be done anywhere, anytime.

Gratitude for what we have in our lives can be an enormous stress reliever. It helps us stay grounded in a stressful world when we remember what we have. It's nice to have a gratitude list and to look at it often, especially during stressful times. Things come and go in our lives. People come and go. Locations change. Keep life simple with gratitude.