10 Creative Ways to Manage Stress

Statistics show that stress-related problems are considered to be the main reason for approximately 75 percent of all visits to physicians. In our society,the hustle and bustle of everyday life can lead to excessive demands and challenges which in turn can increase our stress levels. Work related pressures, relationship problems, and traumatic events (death, illness,and divorce, etc.) are just some of these challenges. In addition, people going through high stress situations are often prone to lead unhealthy lifestyles. They may overeat, not exercise, increase their consumption of coffee,alcohol,and cigarettes. The overall effects of excessive stress can cause severe damage to our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Research suggests that the best way to avoid serious health problems and diseases that may be triggered by too much stress is to:
1) Recognize the warning signs
2) Make the necessary changes in our lifestyle
3) Learn how to manage stress

So how can you recognize the signs of excessive stress in your life and what steps can you take to manage it?

The warning signs of severe stress are many: headaches, migraines, sleeplessness, muscle tension, fatigue, irritability, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, and sexual disorders. The list is extensive. If stress is not managed, many disorders or illnesses can develop like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and depression.

People are advised to modify their lifestyles and learn to eat the right foods, exercise more, relax, and incorporate techniques that will help them manage the stress in their lives. Relaxation, yoga, breathing exercises, biofeedback, autogenic training,and relaxation are usually the most recognized techniques used in stress management.

Of course, there are many other ways to de-stress.You can find many creative and fun ways to manage your stress. Here is a list of 10 great ways to de-stress and enjoy yourself at the same time.

I) Hydrotherapy- To release the muscle tension, you can soak in a hot bath. You can add epsom salts, dead sea salts,rose petals, and lavender oil to the water.You will smell great and feel better at the same time.

2) Create a sacred space- You can set aside a small area of your home where you can go to relax. You can put a small table where you place candles, pictures, incense, flowers or a book of poems. You decide on what items you want there but they should be things that will have a relaxing effect on you.

3) Write a love poem or love letter- Write a poem or letter to yourself. We don't often stop to think about how we truly feel about ourselves. What do you love about yourself or your life? This can give you new insight about yourself and your life.

4) Pamper yourself- Go and get a manicure, pedicure, massage, or facial. You'll find that you will look and feel better.

5) Photography- Get a camera and go outdoors. Find an interesting scene like a sunrise, sunset, fall foliage, or children playing in the park.Taking pictures is a great way to show our creativity and appreciation of art.It also allows us to take the time to really look at the world around us.

6) Dancing- If you like to move and exercise, try signing up for a dancing lesson. You will learn some new steps or dances and may also make new friendships as well.

7) Painting-You don't have to be artistic to try your hand at painting pictures. All you will need is some paint and paper, brushes and some water.Try to pick a color that expresses how you are feeling at the moment and then paint what you feel. Painting allows us to express our artistic side as well as provide a great way to calm down. You can use any medium to create your own personal piece of art.

8) Bake a pie or bread- Invite a friend to share in this activity.You will discover that baking is a great way to release stress.All you will need is a recipe for either a pie or bread.Mix the ingredients, knead the dough, let it rise, and then bake. The added benefits of this activity are: kneading may release some tension,your home will smell wonderful,and you will be able to share time and a meal with a close friend. Even if you are not great at it, please try it. You will have fun.

9) Create a mosaic- Before starting this fun and creative endeavor,it is a good idea to decide where you are going to put your mosaic. Will it be on an old table or perhaps a tray? You decide. Now get some old dishes and saucers with nice patterns and break them up into small pieces and design a simple pattern. It is wise to wear gloves and protective glasses while doing this. Then start to glue them in place. You will need to use grout to finish your project. This is a great stress buster.

10) Create your own top 10 list- If you think back to your childhood days which most likely were relatively stress-free,you will find activities you enjoyed doing. Was it hiking through the woods,swinging on an old tire, flying a kite, bird watching, skipping stones on water, or swimming in a lake? Now try to incorporate these activities into your live. Feel like that kid again.

I am confident that you can come up with a great list of your own personal creative and fun things to do to de-stress.

Source: Authors-Edward A. Charlesworth,Ph.D.,and Ronald G.Nathan,Ph.D.
Title- Stress Management-A Comprehensive Guide pp.10-15