Stress Reduction Tips for the Stressed

Are you feeling stressed out? Are you unsure on what you can do to reduce your level of stress? To help understand what type of impact stress can have on your overall life and what you can do to reduce stress, I have interviewed Psychotherapist Nicole Urdang.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I am a holistic psychotherapist in private practice in Buffalo, New York.

What are some common signs of stress?

It's important to remember that even the greatest experiences in life are stressful. Marriage, having children, buying a house, and getting that promotion are all joyful, but carry extra responsibility and pressure, which amps up stress.

Common signs of stress may include impatience, anger, muscle tension, over eating, drug use, alcohol abuse, gambling, headaches, tooth grinding, lack of concentration, irritability, sweating, frequent colds or infections, insomnia or oversleeping, feeling overwhelmed, crying jags, yelling, isolation, nightmares, panic, anxiety, digestive disorders, trouble making decisions, sexual issues, back or neck pain, general fatigue, sighing, palpitations, mood swings, reduced productivity, minor accidents, smoking, racing thoughts, depression, etc.

What type of impact can stress have on someone's overall life?

Stress can have an enormous impact on all aspects of one's life: social, financial, romantic, vocational, mental, and physical.

What are some stress reduction tips you can give to readers?

While there are literally thousands of articles on how to reduce stress, none of these techniques work if you don't commit to doing them regularly. A daily yoga or meditation practice that lasts 10 minutes is far better at reducing stress than a class you go to once a week.

Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats, and whole grains will give you the sustained energy you need to face life's demands.

Getting enough sleep is crucial to feeling refreshed and ready for new challenges.

Setting aside time every day for a little reflection, whether it's journaling, solitude, music, hot bath, or walking in nature will rejuvenate you far more than spending that extra half hour in front of the TV.

Talking about your day, not just the negatives, but the little joys, helps you relax and increases intimacy with your partner. You don't have to devote an hour to sharing; even a few minutes of really paying attention to your mate will foster a greater sense of trust and connection.

Reading a novel or poetry helps slow down the frenetic monkey mind, and allow for some reflection. It's the antithesis of all the running around most of us do, and the pressure we put on ourselves to finish just one more thing.

Taking time to look at the clouds, cook something delicious, play a game with the kids, or just dance around can be more uplifting than all the restaurant meals, vacations, and purchases we think will complete us.

It really is the simplest, least expensive things that rejuvenate the spirit.

What type of professional help is available for someone who feels their level of stress is out of control?

If you feel your stress level is dangerously high, you may want to speak with a therapist or counselor. Sometimes, it isn't really day-to-day stress that's the culprit, but deeper issues. Yes, it takes a lot of courage to open up, but the benefits can be enormous, increasing your self-acceptance, self-compassion, and gratitude.

Thank you Nicole for doing the interview on stress reduction tips. For more information on Nicole Urdang, or her work, you can check out her website at: http://www.holisticticdivorcecounseling.com. The site is for all life's issues, not just the cosmic hazing of divorce.