Here is a list of Mayo Clinic's Top 10 Stress Relievers.
1. Get active. Exercise refocuses our minds, loosens our muscles and pumps us with feel-good endorphins. Stay within your realm. A little goes a long way. Check with your doctor first if need be.
2. Meditate. Focused awareness on the breath or an image or a word can go far to clear the mind. Check out resources by Jon Kabat-Zinn or Jack Kornfield.
3. Laugh. It cools down your stress responses, gets your heart beating and improves breathing. Find a local Laughter Yoga group or watch a funny movie.
4. Connect. Social contact with others helps to distract, feel supported, and get out of a funk.
5. Assert Yourself. While speaking up can be difficult for many, sharing your opinions, choices or feelings can release internal conflict.
6. Do yoga. Cannot say enough about this great way to move, relax and get quiet.
7. Sleep. Too much or too little sleep impacts concentration, mood, energy levels, and overall functioning. Employ relaxation tapes to help you fall asleep if you are having trouble.
8. Journal. Writing out thoughts or feelings can actually help sort out what feels overwhelming inside. Free writing is best to start where you just write our whatever comes to mind. Keep a journal in a safe place or a protected file.
9. Get musical. Either bang away on a drum (or pots and pans!) or dance around your house, music has been used by people for centuries to celebrate and have fun.
10. Seek counsel. If stressors feel too much or if old stuff is getting in the way of the life you want, find a qualified therapist or counselor in your area. Ethical guidelines protect your privacy and insurance will often cover at least a number of sessions.
Pick one and de-stress. You deserve a little break.
Be well,
Rebecca
