Everyone feels stressed from time to time with their busy lifestyle. If left unchecked, it tends to be a real joy-killer. Stress can also lead to a number of major health problems, ranging anywhere from anxiety to severe depression and from mild acne to life-threatening heart attacks, so it is easy to see why it is so vitally important to keep life’s major stressors in check.
Since April is National Stress-Awareness Month, I thought the best way to celebrate it would be by creating less stress in our own lives.
So here is a small list of positive ways you can respond to the stress in your life and keep your own stress levels in check:
- Make Up Your Mind to Get and/or Stay Healthy. Taking control of your personal health can make a great difference in the amount of stress you feel. The best way to reclaim control of your life is by taking charge of your body. Whether it is through diet, exercise, or simply getting that checkup you’ve been putting off, let April be the month you put yourself back in control.
- Make a Change. It can be as simple as clearing the clutter off your desk or as elaborate as taking a well-deserved vacation, the important thing is that you do something different. Even a small change can make a big difference when it comes to stress.
- Focus on Now. Most folks live their entire lives in yesterday or tomorrow. In truth, however, there is only Now. Focusing on this perfect moment, right now, provides a magical escape from the disappointment of what once was and the fear of what might be, and leaves stress stuck in a time warp.
- Get the Giggles. It’s true; laughter really is the best medicine. Watch a funny show or video, tell a funny joke, or go to a card shop and read funny cards. Whatever it takes, give yourself time for laughter each and every day.
While you can’t avoid stress, you can minimize it by changing how you choose to respond to it.
The ultimate reward for your efforts is a healthy, balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun.
