8 Ways to Bust Your Stress

Written by Vonda Skelton

You look at your watch – again. Your white knuckles grip the wheel. What idiot decided to work on the highway in the middle of commuter traffic? Just as you see an opening, a red Honda changes lanes, cutting you off. You stomp on the brakes, slam your fist on the wheel, and yell at the taillights, “Thanks a lot, Buddy!”

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We’ve all been there. And according to researchers, it’s not a good place to be. Depression, headaches, hypertension, heart disease, and even cancer have been linked to stress.

But caring for our health isn’t the only reason we need to chill. Counselors have discovered that our decision-making skills can also be affected by the pressures of life. Pennsylvania psychologist and life coach to single adults, Georgia Shaffer says, “Stress makes us more vulnerable to acting desperate and making poor choices – like lowering our standards, or dating someone who isn’t safe.” And the truth is, pressured people aren’t much fun to be around. Uncontrolled stress can increase our negativity and take over our lives, leaving little energy for family and friends.

So, the first step to improving your physical, emotional, and social health may be to improve your stress management.

You know the usual techniques for relieving stress – you’ve probably already tried taking care of your body, relaxation techniques, and simplifying your world. But here are eight strategies beyond deep breathing that you may not have previously considered in your battle with the pressures of life.

1. Passionate Pursuits
Shaffer says, “Stress can’t be eliminated. There will always be times when we’re frustrated, overwhelmed, or ready to quit. But when we’re engaged with things we’re passionate about, we’ll experience the right kind of stress.” She suggests asking yourself these questions to find your passion: What makes you unique? What do you care deeply about? What are your skills, talents, and natural strengths? Focusing your energies in areas that inspire you will lessen the stress in areas that don’t. 

2. Creature Comforts
Pets can be good for your health, according to the State University of New York at Buffalo. In a study of 48 stockbrokers, researchers found those with pets had dramatically reduced blood pressure due to stress levels. But take note: Companionship and unconditional love come with much responsibility. So before deciding to bring Fido home, be sure your schedule and temperament fit the pet-owning lifestyle. Otherwise, you’ll be adding stress instead of reducing it.

3. Somebody’s Watchin’
Scott Keeler, a South Carolina newspaper copy editor, admits he has frustration with traffic. But it’s when he thinks about others that he keeps his cool. “When I’m stressed in the car, I look over at the sweet, smiling faces of my best friend’s children pictured on my dashboard, and I imagine them with me. Would I act this way if they were here? Does my response honor the Lord?” he asks. “Their picture also reminds me to slow down and take it easy, because they’ll need their cool Uncle Scott around while they’re growing up.”

4. Reality Check
Jill Rigby, single mom and director of The Community of Manners (www.thecommunityof manners.com) tries to think of the worst-case scenario when she feels pressured. “Fear and dread – twin sisters of stress – build anticipation of total disaster, which rarely happens,” she explains. “Yes, there may be a consequence if I don’t meet that deadline, but I realize it won’t ruin my life. No matter the situation, it’s rarely as devastating as I imagine it will be.” When Rigby prepares for the worst, she finds reality isn’t so bad.

5. Laugh It Off
University of Maryland researchers report heart-healthy people tend to laugh more often and find humor in stressful circumstances. And although it’s not understood how laughter protects the heart, studies show heart attack patients who watched a funny video 30 minutes a day had fewer subsequent heart attacks than those who didn’t participate in humor therapy. So laugh and find the humor in stressful situations around you. Not only will you relieve your stress, but you just might live longer too.

6. Livin’ on a Prayer
Research shows a correlation between people who pray and lower stress levels. Prayer has also been linked to better overall health and greater psychological well-being. Stacie Ruth Stoelting, founder of Bright Light Ministry in Iowa, says she finds the Psalms a useful prayer guide when she’s stressed. “Allow the Psalms to seep deep into your soul. Then, from your stressed-out spirit, pray them out loud. It’s a fantastic faith-booster and soothing stress-reliever.”

7. The Next Best Thing
There will always be those tasks we don’t want to do. They’re stressful, so we put them off until our procrastination has stressed us out even more. But making those less-than-lovely tasks bearable makes a big difference. “Bill-paying time used to suck the energy out of me,” says North Carolina counselor and single mom, LaTonya Mason. “But now I make it as enjoyable as possible. The bills are stacked nicely in a pretty box, I play my favorite music, and make sure my kids are not around.”

8. No Problem
Focusing on the right things is a great way to relieve stress. “I have my clients give me the five-minute version of their problem. Focusing on the problem paralyzes them, but their energy soars when they’re working out solutions,” Mason says. She also encourages them to make a list of 25 things they’re thankful for. “This makes them stretch their minds to find the positives in life,” she explains.
 
Don’t let worry take the joy out of your day. By incorporating these strategies, you’ll not only be healthier and more productive, but your life will reflect peace and hope, rather than fear and anxiety. And that’s a reflection we all want to see.

Vonda Skelton is an author, women’s event speaker, and nurse. Her latest book is “Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe,” Visit her Web site at www.vondaskelton.com.