Top 4 Ways On How To Handle Stress

Stress can be a positive thing in that it can spur us to transcend boundaries and ideas we had about ourselves. However, stress can become negative if it leaves us feeling overwhelmed by circumstances in our lives. Often, we may find it difficult to change circumstances that cause us stress. And, in fact, if we are constantly avoiding things in life because we find them stressful, it can really narrow our experience of life, and lead to another type of stress.

But one thing we do have the power to do, is change the way we respond to stressors. By learning how to handle stressful feelings, by creating time our in our lives where we can recharge our batteries, and by learning how to relate to ourselves in a different way, we come to a state of being where the things that used to bother us, no longer do.

Changing our self preception takes time, but there are things you can do now to create an environment where such changes may organically grow. Here are 4 ideas on how to handle stress in your life.

1. Be Creative

Often our lives are so filled with 'doing' our daily tasks - whether that be for work or family commitments, that we don't have the opportunity to really express ourselves. Couple this with a very analytical culture, and we often are unaware of our own well-spring of creativity. This is not about being the next Picasso or Bach. Simply find a craft or activity in which you can be creative - maybe pottery, dancing, music, pastels, writing, or singing. When we start expressing ourselves creatively, without expectations about the results, we can begin o discover a new relationship with ourselves. Its a very liberating thing, and a great way to balance the hemispheres in our brains, which has a positive flow on effect in the rest of our lives.

2. Swap massages with a friend regularly

You don't have to see a massage therapist to enjoy the relaxing benefits of massage. Try teaming up with a friend, maybe checking out some of the books or DVD's on massage, and practise on each other. You could make a regular time once a week to swap a half hour massage. Try heating up the oil until it is warm (not too hot otherwise it will burn your skin), add some essential oils, make sure the room is warm, and play some soothing music. Back massage is particularly calming, and it doesn't have to be heavy, deep stokes. Just make sure you keep the pressure constant, and try and keep the massage strokes long and fluid. Going slowly, calmly, and carefully, with attention focused in your hands, is a very effective way to reduce stress in the body.

3. Use Incense or Essential Oils Daily

Aromatherapy is a great way to unwind after work, or any stressful situation. Our sense of smell is a powerful way to shift our emotions, and calm the flight or fight response of stress. Essential oils can be massaged into the skin, inhaled from a burner, or put into the bath for a completely relaxing experience. Some good oils to try are lavender, which is very nurturing, chamomile, which is calming, bergamot, clary sage, and frankincense. If you're massaging the essential oils into your skin, use them mixed with a carrier oil like almond or jojoba oil.

4. Learn To Love Your Body

In an age where we are bombarded with images of women starving and punishing themselves to fit into an American size 0 (Australian size 6), it is easy to subconsciously judge ourselves when we have even a healthy level of body fat. But this unrealistic ideal that can lodge itself in our subconscious mind, even when we think we are not caught up in it, can create an environment where we feel we are not 'enough', just as we are. Instead of looking in the mirror every morning and seeing things you'd like to change about yourself, say 'thank you' to your body. Thank you for providing the means with which to do the things you enjoy, like going swimming, hanging out with friends, enjoying a meal at a nice restaurant, going to the movies, or a local cafe. Thank you for housing your soul and allowing you to feel the sunlight on your skin, the softness of cat's fur, the smile of a loved one. We are all enough just as we are, in the bodies we inhabit. Appreciate yourself.

A Quick and Easy Stress Test

Many people go through their days not aware of the stress in their lives. They might think, "Well, how serious can it be if I don't even know it exists?"

Quite simply your body can get used to stress in such a way that, even though your body still reacts harmfully to stress, because the stress is so continuous, you just don't realize how much stress you are in. Regardless of how little or how much stress you have in your life, being able to identify it will be a big help to you. Once you are able to identify the stress in your life for what it is, you can then go about the business of dealing with it more effectively.

Make no mistake about it, if there is stress in your life, chances are you are reacting negatively to at least some of it. Most of us are so used to stress that we begin to believe that the state of stress is normal.

TAKE A STRESS TEST

The standard tests that doctors use to tell whether you are an easily stressed "hot reactor" (and at greater risk for disease) are pretty simple, so take your pick, says Frank Barry, M.D., a family practice physician in Colorado Springs and author of Make the Change for a Healthy Heart. For the first two tests, you'll want to take a blood-pressure reading twice, once before the test and once during the test, for comparison.

Test 1: Chill out. In Test 1, put your hand into a bucket of cold water for one minute and have someone measure your blood pressure right after you have done it. If it goes up into the high range in response to physical stress, you are a "hot reactor."

Test 2: Do some math. Test 2 is a little more cerebral. Start with the number 100 and mentally subtract 7, then continue to subtract 7 until you get to 2. In the midst of your figuring, have your blood pressure taken. "There's no exercise, no threat to your life, but a lot of people still feel mental stress and their blood pressures shoot up," says Dr. Barry.

Test 3: Talk to yourself. You can also test yourself without the shock of cold water or the mental anguish of math. As yourself: "Are you working toward your own true goals or someone else's?" If you are busy trying to keep up with the Joneses, you're still in the rat race, even if you have retired. You're much more likely to feel the effects of stress regardless of whether you're a "hot reactor," says Dr. Barry.

Tips on Excellent Decision-Making For Stress Management

Making decisions is never easy, especially when it comes to making those big decisions that can potentially change ones life. A bad decision can cause alot of stress while good decisions can help you manage your stress.

This is why before making a decision, a person must put a lot of thought into it. This means carefully examining and assessing the situation, as well as contemplating the pros & cons, and possible consequences of the decisions about to be made.

Here are some tips on excellent decision-making:

1. Assess first if the decision you are about to make would be the right one for you. This means assessing your needs, and really finding out the reason why you are making this decision in the first place.

For example, if the decision you are about to make concerns the college of their choice, you must ask yourself these questions: Are you being influenced by family and friends? Is peer pressure becoming an issue? What about the issue of money? Are you being practical about the decision you are about to make, or are you possibly setting yourself up for failure, by making an evidently impractical decision?

2. Study your options. When making a decision that implies a choice, you should look into your options - whether this involves a decision in regards to purchasing a new house, vacation destination, or a university of choice. Individuals should take the time to study, research, and evaluate all of their options. This way, they can limit their alternatives to that one choice that would be just the right one for them.

3. People who need serious help when it comes to decision-making can make use of decision-making seminars, sessions, and training. Many organizations offer individuals the chance to improve their decision-making skills by attending their programs. Those who feel the need for such help should do some research in the internet for the local listings of these courses that are held within their vicinity.

4. Plan big decisions ahead of time. Do not leave everything to the last minute, because this is a sure recipe for disaster. Planning ahead of time will give you enough time to prepare for the contingencies. It never hurts to have a plan B, in case your original plan does not work out.

Also, planning buys you time. For example those individuals who are planning to get a new car, should first do some research. They must give themselves some time to go to different dealerships to compare prices, and check out what types of offers are available out there. This way, they would be able to land the best deal possible. Remember, the best decisions are not rushed. They are carefully thought out and made through careful planning.

5. Make a list of pros and cons. This sounds a bit old fashion, but it is a time-tested method that will aid you in making the best decisions. Coming up with a list will give you a visual representation of your thoughts. This will also help you set priorities in order by writing a list of your preferences, goals, and needs. On the other hand, this would also allow you the opportunity to evaluate the downside to the potential choices you are about to make.

Making a decision can sometimes be very difficult, but it has to be done! The best way to go about this is to make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to think about it first. If possible, seek out the counsel of friends and family.

But in the end, all people have to make their own decision. This is why individuals have to be wise, and give themselves the opportunity to make the best possible decisions!

Signs That Your Stress May Be Getting Out Of Hand

Stress refers to the feeling caused by a lot of pressure and demands at home, at work, at school, etc. It can also be a result of life's events like death within family or friends, lost of job, marital break-up, major catastrophe, etc.

Stress has emotional and physical effects that may create negative or positive feelings. Stress, on rare occasions, drives people to do their best and pushes them to the limit to do amazing things. However, most of the time, stress results to anger, rejection, depression, and distrust.

Studies show that people who are always stressed out experience health problems like high blood pressure, upset stomach, frequent headaches, heart disease, insomnia, and stroke.

100% of people experience stress at least once in their lives and it is perfectly normal. However, when it affects people negatively and prohibits them from living their lives fully, it is a sign that a professional is needed to effectively manage stress.

Here are the types of stress and their symptoms:

1. Acute Stress.

This is the most common type of stress that affects people on a regular basis. It is usually caused by pressures or demands of life, real or imagined. Acute stress has short-term effects and does not cause extensive damage to people who experience it. Common symptoms include anxiety, irritability, and anger that specifically target human emotions.

In addition, it causes muscular problems like jaw pain, extreme headache, and muscular tensions that prohibit a person to function comfortably. Other symptoms include heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation.

It is important to note that these symptoms may appear during major events. It is normal for people to be stressed when they suddenly lost employment or someone dear to them. It is natural to get some of the symptoms mentioned above, but they should only be temporary. The problem starts when people do not move on for a considerable amount of time and they display the same symptoms for a long period of time. These people require professional help in order to overcome stressful events.

2. Periodic Acute Stress.

This is the type of stress that is being experienced frequently. Experts have deeply associated episodic or periodic acute stress to managers, lawyers, business owners, etc. They are usually short-tempered, tense, anxious, and irritable. They generally make their office an extremely stressful place.

Symptoms on this type of stress include hypertension, heart disease, tension headaches, chest pain, and migraine. People who are suffering from this kind of stress should seek immediate professional help.

3. Chronic Stress.

This is what experts call destructive stress because it destroys minds, bodies, and lives. This is commonly seen on people who have dysfunctional families, suffer from poverty, or are generally unhappy about their marriage and job. Most people suffering from chronic stress commit suicide or die from heart attack and stroke. Chronic stress leads to extreme depression and requires extensive medical and behavioral treatment as well as stress management.

Symptoms include frequent conflict with employers, friends, family members, and co-workers, frequent change in employment, inability to socialize, and workplace and domestic violence.

Stress can be beneficial or destructive depending on how it is handled. Knowing the symptoms on when to seek professional help to manage stress cannot only improve the quality of life, but it can ultimately save lives.

Releasing Stress By Reversing Any Negative Feelings

You must have noticed your lips curled tightly in a straight line. Your eyeballs seem to pop out with that hate look. Witness the head-on collision of your eyebrows. See the many wrinkles spreading all over your forehead. Oh, is that steam coming out of your nostrils and ears, like that of a raging bull ready to attack?

From your face, now look at the rest of your body. Notice how your fists are clenched. Your arms and muscles are flexed in boxing position. Your feet are eager to go. You are ready to attack... yourself!

What had been just described was the typical facial expression and body language of a person in a fighting mood. People react to anger this way due to some reaction that releases chemicals within the human body.

Now, try another exercise. Again, while in front of the mirror, try to widen your lips resembling a smile. As you do this, slowly notice how your eyeballs sink in as your eyes turn into a horizontal slit. Your previously clashing eyebrows now seem to go separate ways as if they just got divorced. Your forehead are unmarked by wrinkles. Your flaring nostrils and red ears now appear normal with absolute absence of steam.

Your fists are unclenched, muscles are loose, and arms are beside you as if hugging your funny bones. Your feet are energetically tapping the floor ready to burst in laughter. You feel as if you are seated at the front row of a live comic show.

The first exercise shows how you look when you are angry, while the second exercise describes you when you are happy. Notice the big difference?

With this perspective, it only proves feelings like anger, resentment, and hatred makes you physically look older and hostile; that by just one look, you can make an innocent child cry and scamper for safety. Ill feelings take its toll on your health.

On the reverse, feeling of joy makes you physically look younger and vibrant. The smile on your face makes you appear approachable even to a child. As a bonus, joy results to improved health and well-being.

Based on the above exercises, it only proves that the body language is a reflection of the current feelings and emotions within. This, therefore, holds the key to reversing negative feelings.

Simply put, to reverse ill feelings, change your body language or just smile!

Feeling bad? Consciously change your frown into a wide grin and feel the anger dissipate and melt away. Straighten up your sluggish posture, walk at a faster pace and smile!

Your emotions and feelings can be reversed by the way you move your body. When you are not in the mood, simply use your body to immediately acquire a positive mood.

Reduce Stress to Enhance Your Love Life

The topic of stress has been the object of controversy in recent decades due to the various ways to administer it. There are different ways for different cultures. Where the Hindus have yoga the Japanese have Zen. Both of these methods are excellent in relieving stress. There are many types of yoga and this practice includes stretching of the muscles and various positions to relax each body part.

Meditation and concentration for each movement will eventually with continued effort give you a youthful glow and allow you to keep stress levels at a minimum. Zen, on the other, hand is a style focusing on more of the meditation. Zen is a more philosophical approach to stress relief and really works if practiced on a regular schedule. Stress is often why our love lives are bad, but with proper control of stress, we can change all of that.

Other ways to relieve stress include deep breathing exercises, light physical exercise, reading, getting out into nature, the calming effects of light music; each individual has their own method. Some may prefer bingo or bowling while another may choose baking or smoking a cigarette. Whatever the choice, there are certain consequences. For instance, if you choose to smoke to relieve your stress it may not be the best solution and could result in a health risk. Other ways to relieve stress are acupuncture and hypnosis. These must only be done by a professional. To locate a professional simply use the internet or it's as easy as your phone book under physicians or alternative medicine.

When you decide that relieving your stress level is what has to be done, consult your doctor. He or she will be able to determine whether your chosen method will be the best for you, and any adverse effects will then be discussed. Your physician may prescribe medication for you if you are at a risk for other problems. The problem about stress relief is to not do anything at all. Some people are not aware they are at risk for problems such as heart attack and stroke.

You can also look to different types of therapy in order to help you reduce your stress levels as well. It is very easy to maintain a relaxed mind and body if you just have the tools and knowledge. We all have to deal with life's every day stresses but they don't have to destroy our lives. Being able to control our stress levels is important to our overall body health. Making some time for yourself that is quiet and free from things like your children or your spouse is very important because just because we love the people in our lives; they often cause stress which can hurt our love lives. Control stress and your love life will soar!

Reduce Stress in Your Life With The Art of Listening

Everyone has a story to tell. However, not everyone may be willing to listen. Sometimes, we are amazed - in an unpleasant way - over the fact that we have not been paying attention to the one speaking to us. At some point along the story, our mind has wandered off, and we only drift back to reality when suddenly asked, "Are you still listening?"

That would be most unfortunate, since next to our visual skills, our ability to listen allows us to reap various benefits. If we listen to our mentor as he shares with us useful thoughts on life, we become good apprentices. If we listen to our professor as he lectures about the day's lesson, we become good students. If we listen to our boss as he explains the rationale of the company's recent policy, we become good employees. If we listen to our parents as they advise us regarding career choices, we become good sons/daughters. If we listen to a friend in dire need of unloading his troubles, we become good friends.

In short, listening is vital in developing good human relationships. To maximize our listening capability, here are a few tips.

1. Focus. It is but a single word, but its message conveys far more. Being focused means paying attention, and a lot of it at that. It means temporarily forgetting about other matters of consequence and lending a few minutes of your time to hear someone speak his mind out. It means giving interest to whatever it is that the speaker might want to say. It is taking his words seriously into consideration in whatever decision we are to make. It is placing his story in the context of his emotions, and trying to understand him within the events occurring in his life.

2. Watch out for non-verbal cues. The message need not always lie on the words, but also in movements that the speaker makes. If we also pay good attention to the speaker's eyes, facial expressions, and gestures, we will be able to receive the message in totality. Moreover, if the speaker realizes that we are sincerely listening, we are boosting his confidence.

3. Be sensitive. A good measure of sensitivity is also essential to maintain enthusiasm in the part of the person speaking. If the person is at the peak of his emotions, do not interrupt. After all, if someone is extremely angry or anguished, it will be a form of catharsis to remain patient until he has calmed down. Unless the person is already causing bodily harm, it will do him well to let him be purged of his bad feelings.

4. Show unconditional openness. We may not always agree with what someone has to say, but being there to listen may be the least we can offer. While we may have different opinions about several issues, keeping our horizons wide is a healthy attitude. With these perspectives in listening, we become open to a world of unlimited learning and diverse experiences.