Stress Management: Manage Stress in Perfectly Legal Ways with 5 Simple Methods

Stress Management:nManage Stress in Perfectly Legal Ways with 5 Simple Methods nnBy: Jolene Carson, MA, RT(R)nnJust imagine your life with less stress…nnStress Management is a key to reaching your success potential and creating a better life in general. When you are overly stressed, it is difficult to stay focused and on track. So I would like to share some ways to manage stress as a first step to greater success and happiness.nnHere are 5 simple, effective, proven ways you can manage stress:nn 1. Breathe DeeplynIn stressful times, muscles tense and breathing becomes rapid and shallow decreasing the flow of oxygen to the body. As soon as you become aware of this physical change in your body, begin deep breathing. This increases oxygen flow throughout the body which creates a more relaxed feeling and quickly releases tension and stress. nn- Inhale through your nose by taking slow deep breaths all the way to your diaphragm. n- Hold your breath in approximately two seconds.n- Then slowly exhale through your mouth. n- To increase the benefit, think of breathing in calm and breathing out stress.nn2. Practice Routine Maintenance to Manage Stress nUse procedures daily that keep stress in balance long term. nSchedule at least twenty minutes each day for something you enjoy.nn 3. Use "Band-aid" Techniques When Stress RisesnHave quick fixes that can be quickly used in times of high stress that almost instantly reduce your stress. n-Get your body moving. n -- Not enough space to do jumping jacks, then march or dance "in place." n -- The key is to get moving physically; change your pace, change your thoughts. n- Sing, whistle, or listen to a favorite song.n- Read inspirational material. nn4. Be Alert to Your "Stress Meter"nSince some stress is beneficial, it is important to be aware of the level of stress that typically works for you. Then you can more easily notice when your "stress meter" begins to creep upwards.nnJust as your car has warning signals to let you know your car needs maintenance, your body has signals too. Become familiar with the warning signs your body gives and notice when the stress signal comes on. Your early warning sign might be a headache, neck and shoulder tension, irritableness and so forth. When you feel distress, it is a signal to stop and check out your situation. nnThen take immediate steps to manage your stress before your "internal stress meter" rises towards hot and your stress becomes more difficult to manage.nn5. Create a Healthy Lifestyle in Business and Life nTake steps to keep yourself physically healthy, or you are vulnerable for stress related illnesses. n- Get adequate sleep.n- Eat the right foods in the correct amounts.n- Exercise daily.n -- At the least, take a quick walk at home or work. n -- Break a sweat. nnIt is important to have healthy habits in all areas of your life. n- At work, even when you think you are too busy to take your break, take one.n- You will find by taking the break that you will actually have more energy and get more done.n=================================================================nStress unmanaged can rob us of health and happiness. I hope that you find this information helpful. And more than that, I hope that you will use these tips and decrease stress and increase joy!n=================================================================nIf you like what you have read and would like more information by this author, you are eligible to receive a 5-day Stress Management mini-e-course by Jolene for FREE. Just click on the link: nn(If the link does not work: press the Ctrl key, and click on the link, or cut and paste it into your browser.)n================================================================nNOTE: Reprinting of this article in newspapers, newsletters,nezines, and blogs is allowed as long as proper authorncredits are given, and if published online, links are provided back to author sites.