Coping with Stress

Are you feeling stressed? It doesn't matter where we live, how old we are, or what our job is - stress knows no boundries. We all experience stress on an ongoing basis!

There are three categories of stress; Physical, Chemical, and Mental/Emotional
Postures, trauma, and habits accumulate and consititude the physical stresses that we put on our bodies. Chemical stresses can be related to nutritional, biological, and environmental pressures. Mental and Emotional stress can come from all aspects of our lives: financial, family, social issues can all contribute to this kind of stress.

Understanding that stress is everywhere, and virtually unavoidable will help us to shift from "how can I decrease my stress" to "how can I respond to the stress of my life without having it affect me mentally and physically?" In other words - How can I cope with Stress?

Here are 15 helpful tips to help learn to cope with your stress

# 1. Prep for tomorrow.
Nothing is more stressful than being unprepared! Get organized so you're ready for the next day, taking a few minutes to make a to-do list and clean up before you leave. Knowing you've got everything covered means you'll be less likely to fret about work in the evenings. When you come in the next morning, you'll have the sense that you're in control of the situation and can handle it.
# 2. Arm yourself with healthy snacks.
According to an American Psychological Association (APA) survey, more women than men (one in three) turn to comfort food such as ice cream and cookies to ease stress. It's common for women to deny themselves favorite foods because they're trying to lose weight. But under stress, the urge for them becomes even stronger. The key is to not deprive yourself. Keep three or four healthy snacks on hand that you know you'll probably want--peanuts, if you like salty; string cheese, if you crave protein; a small piece of chocolate for something sweet--so you aren't tempted to binge.
# 3. Try a repeat performance.
Doing almost any routine, repetitive activity (like vacuuming, shredding paper or knitting), or reciting a word that represents how you wish you felt (such as calm) is a quick way to achieve a Zen-like state. Studies show the effects lower blood pressure and slow heart rate and breathing. The crucial elements are to focus on a word, your breathing or a movement and to bring your attention back to your task if your mind wanders or negative thoughts intrude.
# 4. Use the proper hand washing technique.
When you're under pressure, you're more susceptible to cold viruses and other germs because your immune system is suppressed. Hand washing is your best defense. Dont forget to lather up with soap!
# 5. Turn UP the tunes.
According to a recent study published in the British journal Heart, music is a proven stress buster, so set your dial to a soothing station during your commute.
# 6. Use the ATM once.
If finanacial strain is the source of your stress, limiting your cash withdrawals to once a week is a quick, easy way to monitor your spending habits. Multiple trips to the ATM make it harder to track your money. If you put yourself on an allowance and pay cash for everything, you're more aware of what you're spending and more careful about what you buy.
# 7. Hit the pool!
A Swedish study published in the International Journal of Stress Management found that floating in water triggers the body's relaxation response, helping lower stress-hormone levels. If you can't find a pool, try a soak in the tub!
# 8. Give your thumbs a rest.
Thanks to e-mail, cell phones, and BlackBerrys, it seems like your job never ends. The increasingly blurry boundaries between work and home life leave us with less downtime than ever before
# 9. Recall a past success.
Taking five minutes to reflect on how you pulled through other stressful situations like your last breakup or when you switched jobs can help you reconnect with your resilient side.
#10. Worry about one thing at a time.
Women worry more than men do, no surprise there. Keep your anxiety focused on real, immediate issues, and tune out imagined ones or those over which you have zero control, and you'll automatically reduce stress overload.
#11. Focus on your senses a few minutes a day.
For a few minutes a day, practice being mindful (read back in FFC blog posts, there's a great entry from Dr. Foster about being Mindful)—focusing only on what's going on in the present —whether it's during your workout or taking a break from your work. Try taking a short walk and instead of thinking about what's worrying you, pay attention to your senses—what you see, feel, hear, smell. This can make a huge difference in your emotional and physical well-being when done daily.
# 12. Talk about—or write out—what's worrying you.
Writing or talking about the things that stress you out—in a diary, with friends, in a support group or even a home computer file—helps you feel less alone and helpless.
# 13. Take time to be touched.
Studies suggest massage can speed up weight gain in premature babies, improve lung function in asthmatics and boost immunity in men with HIV. If you can't indulge in regular full-body massages, treat yourself to the occasional pedicure, manicure or facial. or Better yet - Hug a loved one!
# 14. Don't be so serious.
It's impossible to feel stressed when you're hunched over in a fit of giggles. Studies have shown, in fact, that laughter not only relieves tension, but actually improves immune function. Swap jokes with your friends. Rent a funny movie. Stop taking things so seriously!
# 15. Take the stress in and release it.
Literally embrace whatever it is you're going through and then let it go.

When you can control stress, it can no longer control you.