If you find stress is getting the best of you, it is time to focus on stress-relieving activities! My patients or clients will often tell me that they cannot take the time to focus on themselves and de-stress. This is an example of an external locus of control way of reasoning, and it will keep you from becoming a Joyful Soul. You can find time to de-stress and problem solve in any AOF™ that is not working for you. Taking care of yourself is your responsibility. Nobody else can do it for you. So be assertive and know that you are worth it. By taking care of yourself, you are being responsible to those who depend on you. Don’t say you can’t. Make it happen.
As I mentioned earlier in discussing relieving anxiety, you know yourself best and what will work for you to counteract stress in your life. However, it may be helpful to you to review some stress relieving activities to get you started:
- Listen to music, a motivational recording, or a relaxation CD.
- Grab some quiet time (meditate, visualize nature and beautiful scenery)
- Actually visit nature and beautiful scenery!
- Focus on self-care (get a massage, haircut, take a bubble bath)
- Get physical (work-out, dance, play a sport)
- Practice patience and serenity (get books on relaxing breathing and progressive relaxation techniques)
- Watch a funny movie
- In addition to practicing these skills and taking time for yourself, remember to spend time reading and contemplating Scripture. Pray, meditate and tap into your spiritual center in order to stay in “perfect peace” (Isaiah 26:3).
I like your ideas to relieve stress. I find that music, nature, dancing, singing, laughing and reading scripture all work wonders for me. So hard sometimes to reach for these tools in the ‘heat’ of the stressful moment. I have more trouble with meditation and patience. Two things I need to work on.
What a joy to have a list of suggestions for a stress-free life. I find it each one so practical to pass along and encourage others to practice at least one a day . . . to keep stress away . . . you have given us eight of them . . . Watching a funny movie is the one at the bottom of my list and will change that this weekend. A joyful weekend to you!
I’ve just moved and my morning walks are on the beautiful Bay Trail. Having this right outside my door is joy-connecting for sure. Thanks for the tip list.
Blessings,
Sue
Love your statements: “Taking care of yourself is your responsibility. Nobody else can do it for you. So be assertive and know that you are worth it. By taking care of yourself, you are being responsible to those who depend on you.” Spent the last few years as a caregiver for my Mom and this is something that I had to learn the hard way. So true. Thanks for the article and great tips.
Wonderful suggestions for stress relief and for me it’s either reading or taking a nice long walk with my dog. Of course it doesn’t hurt that living on Maui means the scenery is itself nurturing. Personally I’m a big believer in making self-care a lifestyle rather than a coping mechanism, though admittedly that takes a level of commitment not everyone is willing to make. Thanks for the tips and inspiration!