December 17, 2014 Top 20 Stress-Busting Tips
It’s the holiday season and things can get hectic. Take a bite out of stress! Here are some quick practices to help you relax and revitalize:
- Breathe deeply
The steady rhythm of your breath has a calming effect on the mind, much like any repetitive, soothing sound or motion.
- Eat a healthy lunch
According to Dr. Pat Bass, a healthy diet is an essential element to combating stress.
- Exercise
Find something that works for YOU and practice it regularly!
- Mind relaxers
Do a crossword puzzle, squeeze a stress ball, paint a picture, doodle in your notebook.
- Yoga/mindfulness
Yoga helps you focus on the ebb and flow of your breath, as well as releasing the tension in your muscles
- Schedule “you time”
Write it on the calendar! Set aside some time to do exactly what you want to do.
- Schedule family time
According to the Mental Health Foundation, “A key way to protect your mental health against the potential detrimental effects of work related stress is to ensure you have a healthy work-life balance.”
- Walk outside
Vitamin D is essential for your skin and just being in the outdoors has a revitalizing, rejuvenating effect
- Laugh
Laughter reduces stress, according to the Mayo Clinic. Watch a funny movie, read the comics, or go to a comedy show.
- Be present
Focus on the here and now instead of getting stressed about the future or regretting something in the past. My book, The Ten-Minute Leadership Challenge, devotes an entire chapter to this concept.
- Network/reconnect with friends/find your support group
We all need a support group. If you have close friends in the area, make an effort to reach out to them from time to time. If not, find a supportive community through meet-up groups, your local community center, etc. My last newsletter on Building Community discusses this topic in-depth.
- Indulge in your interests
Do you like to knit? Paint? Practice Tae Kwon Do? Work your interests into your schedule
- Massage
Everyone loves a professional massage, but if you’re short on time or don’t want to spend the money, give yourself a hand massage or shoulder rub.
- Listen to music
“Music calms the savage beast” and it can also reduce tension. Pick your favorite genre and let Pandora find the perfect music mix for you.
- Practice gratitude
As I mentioned in my November newsletter, a grateful person is generally a happier, more optimistic person.
- Count/recite a mantra
The rhythm of counting or reciting a mantra can help calm your mind. Additionally, a positive mantra (i.e. “I can do anything,” “I am smart and strong,” or “Nothing can get in my way”) can give you an added confidence boost.
- Close your eyes
Sometimes closing your eyes is a good way to distance yourself from your troubles. It also helps you focus on your thoughts without letting visual distractions get in the way.
- Get organized
A neat and tidy desk or house can help focus your thoughts. Too much clutter can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress.
- Free write
Get your thoughts down on paper. Write whatever comes to mind if you’re feeling overwhelmed and want to sort through a complex issue.
- Plan a vacation
Even if you don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon, it’s fun to plan a future vacation. It also gives you something to work towards—a long term reward.
Tags: 20 stress busters, beat stress, beat stress and anxiety, holidays and stress, overcome work stress, reduce stress, stress at work
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Changing Your Life, Thrive at Work
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Leadership Practices to Cut STRESS | UXL Blog
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[…] If you’d like to read more about how to beat stress, take a look at my post on stress-busting techniques. […]
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4 Ways to Boost Your Resilience | UXL Blog
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[…] When you’re feeling downtrodden, it could be that you simply need to take some meaningful time for yourself to rejuvenate and reinvigorate. Taking a break (even a short one) can renew your confidence, energize you, and prepare you to face the challenges that lie ahead. If you’d like a few self-care ideas, click HERE. […]
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