Just Say "No" To Stress

Stress is the new black. It’s an expensive price to pay for something that makes us pay dearly, sometimes with our lives. It shows on our face, our blood and physical and emotional feelings.

Annually, over $800 million dollars are spent on "anti-anxiety pills". The U.S. accounts for 5% of the world's population and consumes 33% of the pills.

10 million Americans see a psychiatrist for stress related issues each year.

Stress is responsible for over 70% of workplace accidents, 50% of absenteeism, and over $300 billion in associated costs.

Today we have a guest post by Roman Soluk on stress. He is a professional translator and a blogger based in Ukraine. His blog, Optimistic Lifestyle, includes articles about personal development, health, lifestyles and careers.

When trying to relieve stress, we almost always forget about simple things that can help us. Rest is the number one remedy. I cannot stress how important it is to rest, rest and again REST.

You can have a little rest even at work or at home to improve your mood and elevate your disposition.

Many people try to relieve stress with the help of alcohol, but this can only lead to alcoholism, anger, frustration, and unhappiness.

Some points to remember in stress relief are as follows.

1. Exercises; sports, walks, runs, even picnics. The important thing is to become physically tired, and then you’ll have a good reason to relax your body and mind.

2. Water is medicinal. Very often people say that they cope with their depression with the help of water: swimming, bathing, sauna etc.

3. Cultivating a hobby helps to relax and enjoy life. Positive emotions and happiness relieve stress very effectively.

4. Some people like to have a rest with their family. Only in this case they feel family well-being and safety. It’s very important to know that you are not alone, that there are people who can always understand and support you. Perhaps, it is the most important for all of us.

5. If you play or speak with children for a while, you’ll receive plenty of positive emotions. It is a good stress relief, believe me! Tickle a baby and you’ll see what I mean.

6. Speaking to a calm and optimistic person helps to avoid depression. And it’s not necessary to know this person, you can meet them anywhere -  at the supermarket, at work, in a cab, in the street etc.

7. Take your pets for a walk. Even if you do not have a dog or any other pet, you can walk alone. Fresh air and a little movement will make you feel invigorated.

8. Laughing is found to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, increase muscle flexion, and boost immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called Gamma- interferon and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being. Hospitals around the country are incorporating formal and informal laughter therapy programs into their therapeutic regimens.

9. Practice preventive maintenance, set priorities and say "no" more often.

10. Unclutter your life, break large tasks into bite size portions, schedule play time everyday and stop saying negative things to yourself.

11. Listen to a symphony, strive for excellence NOT perfection.

Remember that stress is an attitude. What other actions help you to relax? What else can help you to achieve an emotional balance? 

Think of it, and I’m sure you will find plenty of ways to relieve your stress by yourself.

Thanks Roman for constructing a helpful post.