From the CDC –
| National Stress Awareness Month National Stress Awareness Month occurs annually in April to bring attention to the negative impact stress can have on your life. Being able to recognize common symptoms of stress can help you manage them. Managing stress can improve both your mental and physical well-being. Stress can cause a number of problems, including feeling different emotions (anger, sadness, worry), changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, and physical reactions (headaches, stomach problems, heart problems). Luckily there are many healthy ways to cope with stress, such as: Taking care of your body (eat healthy, get enough sleep, exercise) Take breaks from the news (including social media) Limit alcohol intake Connect with others Continue with regular health appointments Visit the CDC for more ways to manage stress. |
Unrelenting stress is taking its toll on many of us. Watching the world be decimated by fires, floods, wars, financial uncertainty, hatred, violence, greed, …
It seems that we are headed towards a world that puts money and power ahead of humanity and the health of our planet. There’s not a lot we can do about the state of the world, but we can improve the state of our home, our community, and our mind.
I’ve been struggling with stress since last fall. It led to heart failure. I’m also being tested for adrenal issues. The following suggestions are ways I’m embracing a less stressful lifestyle.
Watch less news –
Yes, its important to know whats going on, but watching hours and hours of the same news is only going to take you down. I think we want to look at every angle looking for a glimmer of hope. Just stop and live your life the best you can.
Home, a sanctuary, place of respite
I have harped for years on the importance of a clean, comfortable and calm home. You need a place where you can escape the madness of the world.
Exercise
Exercise is one way to relieve stress. It doesn’t have to be a gym or workout programs you won’t stick with. Talk a walk – preferably outdoors. Run, jog, play tennis, golf, ride a bike, bowl, dance, etc. Just get moving. Take the stairs. Vacuum. Garden.
Sleep
So many people have trouble sleeping. I find that its really important to go to bed physically tired. So many people get home from work after sitting all day and sit. Have a bedtime routine – Mine is – turn off the computer and devices, finish the nightly clean up, take a warm shower, read, pray, drift off to sleep. In the Christian faith, we are to turn out worries over to God. Other people meditate or journal. Just get the worries out of your head.
Diet
Yes, your diet can increase feelings of stress. You need water and nutrients to fortify your body and mind.
Grow your own food. Many people are turning to growing their own food. Even if its a small garden, there is nothing healthier than home grown vegetables. Plus it gives you a feeling of accomplishment, and get you moving at least a little. Check out the healthy foods listings to further motivate you.
Cook your own food We were not designed to eat chemicals. When you cook your own fresh food, you cut down on additives, excess sugar and salt, and you eat fewer calories. When you eat a fresh meal, you will actually have more energy and mental clarity. Check out the recipes for hundreds of fast, easy, inexpensive, and great tasting meals.
Friends and Family – Do you actually spend time with your family, or does everyone retreat to their devices? We are pack animals. We’re not meant to spend our time in isolation. We need each other.
Talking to a close friend also helps us relieve stress. Its not good to keep everything pent up inside.
Community – Taking it one step further, we need community. In the old days, people would hang on the front porch, have pot luck dinners and get togethers. We spent time with our neighbors. We helped each other out. These relationships are important for our mental health. We need to feel that we are not alone.
And when it comes to change, there is power in numbers.
You can do something as simple as starting a walking group.
Religion –
Having the feeling that there is someone bigger than you in control is a great source of comfort. Plus, there’s the added benefit of community when you go to church or temple.
Spend less –
People spend ridiculous amounts of money on stupid things. Do you need a new phone? How about delivery from McDonalds? And how much TV can you watch? Do you need 16 streaming services?
I find it interesting that the younger generation is yearning for a lifestyle that they never got to experience. Maybe we need to put down the phones and show them how its done.
Stop working so hard!
Get the CleanFreak Handbook and let keeping your house clean be easy.
