Everyone wants to find ways to alleviate stress. It isn’t surprising that stress is a common condition. Our modern world is so complex and demanding, and sometimes it’s more than our mind can handle. Just as physical pain is a reminder that you need to take care of your physical body, stress reminds you to give your mind some help.
Stress can wreak havoc both mentally and physically. I was in a stressful job in the 1980s and woke up one morning and could barely move. My back was out. I went to a chiropractor later that day. He told me my back was fine; I was just way too stressed out.
We ask so much of our minds. For example, you do want to:
- be liked
- feel confident
- be successful
and you don’t want:
- to feel embarrassed
- anyone to hurt you
- to hurt anyone
- anything to happen that you don’t like
No wonder you may feel stressed from time to time.
11 Tips to Reduce the Alleviate Stress
1. Exercise
Go for a run or a walk, attend a yoga class, play tennis or do some jumping jacks. Physical exertion is an excellent way to alleviate stress.
2. Declutter your home and work environments
Clutter, both at home and work, can add to your stress. Seeing stuff piled up everywhere can add to a feeling of overwhelm. Taking the time to clean up can help you feel better. Begin in the areas where you spend the most time, like the kitchen and living/family room. And don’t forget your bedroom. And don’t forget your workspace.
3. Declutter your mind
Write down the things you have to do. Putting tasks down on paper serves two purposes. First, you don’t have to worry about forgetting something. Second, it helps you avoid procrastinating, which can lead to mental stress.
4. Take Rover for a walk or pet Fluffy
Pets are excellent to help with stress reduction. Going for a walk with your dog can help you clear your mind. Petting your cat is a great way to feel calmer. Science has found that cat purrs are therapeutic.
Dogs are one of the most empathetic creatures on earth. I remember sitting in a chair in the family room after a friend’s funeral many years ago. My dog Jet walked up to me and rested his chin on my arm. They understand when we feel bad and want to help.
And if you don’t have a pet, you can always reach out to your local humane society. These organizations are always looking for volunteers to either walk dogs or give cats attention.
5. Think positive thoughts
Negative thoughts can make you feel stressed. Take a few moments to focus on something positive. Give yourself a mental break.
6. Consider your diet
Cortisol is the primary hormone responsible for stress. Some foods can help lower the cortisol levels in your body. The Cleveland Clinic suggests foods containing that are high in the following nutrients:
- Vitamin B
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Magnesium
- Protein
- Probiotic-rich and Fermented Foods
I am not a dietitian, so you should consult with a nutritionist or your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet.
7. Have something to look forward to
The knowledge that you have something to look forward to can help during stressful times. Anticipation can remind you that where you are will pass. Think about your upcoming vacation. You can look forward to spending time with your family or pets. There’s a reason why the 70s rock band, Loverboy, recorded a song called “Working for the Weekend”.
8. Alleviate Stress with a “Good Distraction”
I say a “good” distraction because many negative habits I help people with are negative distractions – for example, drinking, smoking, overeating.
Some good distractions include:
- Your favourite movie
- A good book
- Giving yourself a manicure
- A bubble bath
- Going for a drive in the country
What are some feel-good things that you can use for distracting yourself from negativity?
9. Look for a solution
I once had a boss who told his staff not to bring him problems but solutions. And that made sense. He gave his staff instructions to think about a solution to a situation caused for a better work environment.
10. Breathe
When you are stressed, your breathing becomes faster and shallower. It’s a natural reaction. Slowing down and increasing the depth of your breathing is a great way to reduce stress. This website contains excellent breathing exercises to help relieve stress. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/uz2255.
11. Hypnosis
Your stress reaction is a learned behaviour. Hypnosis can help change that behaviour. I use a hypnosis technique called the Simpon Protocol that helps do this so wonderfully. I program three keywords at the end of the first session. These keywords accomplish two things:
1. To take the client into hypnosis quicker at subsequent sessions
2. For the client to use when doing their self-hypnosis.
You can use those keywords any time you are stressed (when you’re in a safe place to do so). Or, you can close the door to your office and do a short self-hypnosis session. You can sit in a park, your bedroom, even the bathroom if that’s your only option.
So, reduce that stress and give your body and mind a break. Stress is not something that you have to suffer through.
Try the first ten suggestions in this blog post. If they don’t help you manage your stress, book a consultation with me. We can determine if we are a good fit to work together and if hypnosis is right for you to use as a method to alleviate stress and your stress reaction.