Stress free living seems impossible in a world of duties, obligations, and responsibilities. Add to that catastrophes and threats without and within our country. The stress level is determined by a person’s reaction to a situation and it increases when he or she cannot decide what to do or how to respond. Stress steals the joy of today and affects others with harsh words and hurt feelings.When the mind is stressed the body suffers. Heart and respiratory problems, migraines, allergies, tense muscles, depression, and many other diseases are stress related.
An accumulation of life’s daily little things can also bring it on. I’ve heard it said, “It’s the little things that bother us, and put us on the rack; you can sit upon a mountain, but you can’t sit on a tack.”
So how do we react in stressful times? In coping with difficult circumstances we do have a choice. Making the right choice results in better health for daily living. I’ve found the following concepts have helped me and I hope they will help you:
- Focus on one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.
- Know when to say, “No.” Over commitment means more stress.
- Stop comparing yourself to others. You are a unique creation in your own right.
- Do the best you can and stop there. Perfectionists are never satisfied.
- Set reasonable goals. So a goal wasn’t met today? It’s no big deal.
- Do some kind of exercise.
- Forgive others and get on with life.
- Do a kind deed for someone. The blessing always returns.
- Say, “I love you,” often. A hug and kiss mends all hurts.
- Take a break. Sit on the porch swing and do nothing but swing. Take a walk with your dog.
- Watch a favorite TV show. Read a book.
- Be content with what you have.
- Let peace be the judge in your heart.
- Make a new friend.
- Overcome fear with faith.
- Give the other person the benefit of the doubt. You haven’t walked in his or her shoes.
- Remove all negative speech. It’s a good way to cancel the “downers.”
- Realize each day is a gift. Make the most of it. That makes “life delicious.”
- Give plenty of sincere compliments.
- Last of all, remember you have a choice how you cope with stress!
· Adopted from http://www.happiness.com/
