Stress Management for the Rest of Us
Keeping everything together as a parent or as a teacher is time
consuming & many times stress inducing job. We all know what we
SHOULD do to manage stress & be healthy. . . . =>Eat lots of
fruits & vegetables. =>Follow a regular, vigorous exercise
program. =>Sleep 8 hours a night. =>Manage our anger through
clear communication.
That's what we SHOULD do. But for those of us who have spare
minutes not hours -- here are a few more practical suggestions!
1. Start with the facts. -- Take a self-assessment & find
out what your current stress level really is. You can take a free stress
assessment here.
2. Set aside a few minutes each day just for you. -- Even
10 minutes of solitude, guided imagery, or soothing music can be extremely
therapeutic when you're feeling overwhelmed. If you're not sure
how to fit even 10 minutes into your hectic schedule you may
want to learn The Art of Doing Nothing: Simple Ways to Make
Time for Yourself.
3. Get Moving -- I'm NOT recommending an intensive
fitness routine. Just try to fit in a short walk around your
neighborhood. According to Mary H. Frakes, author of MindWalks, walking can help relieve
stress, increase motivation & even nourish your soul. At the
very least it should ease your tense muscles & give you more
energy.
4. Utilize Respite Care or a regular baby-sitter. -- Time
without your children will allow you to have some quality time
with your adult friends or your spouse. Trust me, a little adult
conversation will make you a BETTER parent or educator. The National
Respite Locator Service helps parents, caregivers, and
professionals find respite services in their state and local
area. The service is also useful when a family travels or must
move to another state.
5. Get rid of clutter in your home. -- It's amazing how
much better your day will go when you're moving around a
well-organized space. Pick up the tools you need to organize
your space at www.stacksandstacks.com. Everyday tasks will be less stressful.
In Let Go of Clutter, organizing expert
Harriet Schechter presents a fresh approach to overcoming the
natural urge to accumulate objects and information. Dispensing
equal doses of help, hope, and humor, she provides effective and
realistic options for anyone who juggles too much stuff, too
many decisions, and too little time.
6. Don't bottle up your emotions. -- Join a support group on-line, or start your own local
group. Starting a group may sound time consuming, but you can't
beat face to face support! A wonderful resource that will walk
you through the process of starting your own support group is
available through the Parent to Parent web site. Having someone
"safe" to talk to when you're feeling frustrated is vital to
your emotional health.
7. Make sleep a priority. -- Starting a hectic day
un-rested is like starting a marathon with no training. A recipe
for disaster! The National Sleep Foundation offers a quick quiz
to see if you should be concerned about your sleep patterns as
well as some practical tips on how you can get a better night's
sleep.
8. Learn some simple relaxation techniques -- The web
offers lot of options for learning relaxation techniques, either
on-line or through books. Remember, stress is inevitable.
Keep stressful moments from ruining your day by being prepared
with a few simple relaxation techniques.
9. Follow your nose. -- Aromotherapy is
based on essential oils extracted from herbs & can be a
comforting ritual when you're feeling stressed. There are many
approaches to this relaxing technique. You can light scented
candles, add scented oil to your bath water or a bowl of
steaming water; or use one of the many commercial aromatherapy
diffusers currently on the market. The important thing is to
choose a scent that fills you with a sense of comfort &
relaxation. For a variety of aromotherapy & other relaxation
products, check out the unique items available at Stress Less --
don't miss their Feel Better Kit!
10. If all else fails, take a playful approach. Ignore
your "to-do" list & just spend some time laughing & playing with
your kids. Absorb their youthful energy & see if you can
re-connect with your own more relaxed & playful spirit.
Finding ways to manage your stress doesn't have to be
complicated. Often, a few simple changes can make your day flow
more smoothly & your spirit feel calmer. Here's to a world of
less stress & more laughter!