Resources For Women

Deal Positively with the Daily Stresses of Life

Stress affects everyone. There is no escaping it, but we can learn to minimize and almost eliminate many of the daily stresses that we encounter on a day to day basis. Stress has a tremendous impact on our well-being and our health.

Those most likely to report high levels of stress were married and college educated; between the ages of 30 and 50; with children between the ages of 5 and 12. (Is this you?)

We all have the resources needed to provide ourselves with stress-free or less stressful days. Learning some skills to cope and improve your emotional health is well worth the effort. Start with small changes to build up to a stress-free you.

• Laugh everyday - Laughter makes life easier to deal with and has positive health benefits.
• Have fun! Play! Do something you used to do as a child before life got so complicated.
• Be good to yourself - Add a small pleasurable activity each day to your routine and do something enjoyable each week.
• Go for a walk - You've heard it before but it's true. Exercise is good for the mind and body. When you exercise, endorphins are released which helps us relieve stress and decrease anxiety to give us a feeling of overall wellness.
• Eat better - A body that is well nourished responds better to stressful situations. Five fruits and vegetables a day for better health.
• Call a friend - Things always seem better when you can talk to a friend. Women usually have better social supports then men and are more likely to turn to friends or family in times of stress or need. We love to talk and get it all out.
• Give yourself 10-minutes everyday. Put yourself first and give yourself time to unwind. Read a magazine, watch TV, start a book, write a journal entry; do something for yourself.
• Soak in a Hot Tub: Relaxing in a hot tub is a very good stress-reliever. Light candles and minimize disturbances and noise.
• Recognize that some things cannot be changed. Concentrate on the things in life that will produce positive results.
• Keep a notepad handy and make notes to yourself. Stop trying to remember everything. Use lists and prioritize.
• Allow yourself plenty of time. Feeling rushed adds stress. Set aside more time than you think you will need for driving to appointments and meetings.
• Bring other things to do while you are waiting. Carry along a paperback or magazine, stationary, bills to pay, or other things to do while you wait.
• Consider giving away or getting rid of things you haven't used or enjoyed for over a year. Rid your life of unnecessary clutter.
• Set priorities. When practical and possible, drop time consuming activities and obligations. Learn to say NO.
• Show your emotions. Express your feelings of grief, disappointment, hope and joy.
• Try doing one thing at a time.
• If all else fails, see a physician and check for hidden illness.
• Get help with self relaxation and general psychological counseling.

~The greatest joy is that cozy feeling we get when we are able to go home and finally relax.~

Kathy Peet is a freelance writer from Michigan where she publishes the premier women's online magazine for enjoying life, Women's Fun.com. It is the perfect solution for a laugh, a lesson learned, and just having fun. Her work appears on many sites on the Internet and at her own site WomensFun.com. You will find life enhancing articles, freebies, wit, wisdom, entertainment, simple pleasures, humor, shopping deals, resources for women, knowledge, adventure, and a free monthly ezine. Remember to relax, indulge, and laugh...You deserve to!.