10 Easy Ways to Cut Your Stress

Are you one of those thousands of Folks in the United States that is constantly stressed out? Do you feel like you never get enough done or are never good enough? Do you feel overloaded and underappreciated by those around you? If you have answered "yes" to one or more of my questions then keep reading.

"It is all in your head!" How often have you heard this statement by those around you?
No let me tell you something that will absolutely shock and upset you. They are 100% correct. Stress is all in your head, however sadly that is not were it stays. Stress can affect your entire body. So let us start with the base area where Stress originates - from your mind.
When Stress starts rearing up its ugly head, try meditating or deep breathing. You have heard me right, by simply slowing yourself and your mind down you can cut your stress level. As you breathe in deeply (as is recommended at the beginning of meditation) you are giving a free flow of oxygen to your brain. You also release feel good endorphins that will help your entire body to relax. The good news is that you don't have to do it for very long. Even just 5 minutes can help you greatly. No time for meditation? Then just use the deep breathing exercises and repeat this simple statement. "Don't sweat the small stuff and it is all small stuff!" Not sure how to deep breath? Simple, take a deep breath in through your nose and fill up your chest to your belly. Do it slowly to the count of 3 until you can take no more air into your lungs. Exhale slowly through your mouth to the count of 3. Repeat several times.

Stop to smell the Roses.
Not only is this an old Phrase we have all heard at one time or the other, but it is absolutely true. If you feel stressed out, stop by a local botanical garden or a florist shop. Please don't do this however if you have allergies to flowers. Take in the beauty of the blossoms and the wonderful scent of the flowers. Roses in particular have a relaxing scent. So do Jasmine and Lavender. While you are there, why not treat yourself to a small bouquet of flowers for your home or office. ( Flower Store only please, or we will have potentially a whole new reason for stress). Buying your-self Flowers is perfectly acceptable.

Chocolate and red Wine

Please only do this if you don't have a drinking or weight problem. We don't want to add insult to injury. However if you are healthy and can control your urges, get yourself a small piece of DARK Chocolate and indulge yourself in a SMALL (no more then 4oz) of red Wine. This is also a wonderful way to relax once in a while at home. Reward yourself with a bubble bath, some chocolate covered strawberries and a small glass of red wine. You will feel so decadent that you can almost see the stress melt of you. Researchers have shown that red wine and dark chocolate are actually good for you as long as they are taken in measure.

Clean your body and mind!
Taking time out to yourself is an essential way to keep your mind balanced. No matter if you are a male or female taking a nice relaxing Bath with relaxing bath scent, candle light and incense is a great way to wash the daily stress out of yourself.

Rub it out!
You can either invest in going to a professional Massage Practioner or you can purchase a couple of books that can teach you either how to massage yourself or have your partner do it for you. Reflexology and Massage are an excellent way to get your body detoxified and your mind to relax. Touch has more then one healing property and feeling cared for is sure to help you let go off the day.

Don't beat yourself up, sweat it out.
Exercise and stretching exercises are a great way to get your mind and body to relax. If you can afford to go the gym you might want to consider trying your hand in Kickboxing or Boxing. Weightlifting is not only good for your body and muscles but also for letting your aggressions out. Can not afford a gym membership? No problem, get yourself a few Tapes either at your local store or library. Try Tai Chi, Belly Dancing and Yoga.

Accept your limitations and learn to say "NO!"

Unless you are Superman/woman or one of the God/desses you will have limits to your abilities and energy. You can not do everything for everyone. Learn to except your limitations and to let others know honestly and politely when you can not do it alone. Ask for help. Don't except more work then you can handle.

Deadlines ~ a fun challenge!
Approach impending Deadlines with a sense of playfulness. Give yourself enough time to complete an assignment or don't accept it if is too last minute. Instead of seeing Deadlines as a life and death situation, challenge yourself to your absolute best. You will surprise yourself just how good you actually are.

Don't take things personal all the time!

The snappy remark from your co-worker or Boss. The dirty look from the cashier. The sigh from your kid as you walk into his/her room. Believe it or not, the world does not revolve around you. Most of the time, we are just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Not everyone is out to get you.

Get lost in someone else's live!
When life hands you lemons make lemonade. When things get to rough for you to handle, grab a Book and get lost in someone else's life. You might want to be smart about the books you choose. If you have stress in your relationship, romance novels might not be the wisest choice. If your Boss is a Jerk, perhaps you could read a delightful murder mystery?

There are many more small ways to find stress relieve without having to result to Pills? Taking Medications may be needed for some People with major psychological problems, but for most of us it is not necessary.