Stress Relievers for a Busy World

We live in a world that is full of stressors. Our job, our kids, our spouse, and a combination of them all. Most families have two parents that work just to keep up with the rising cost of living. It would be strange and unusual if we didn't get stressed out at some point.

We can't do much to change our lives or our jobs but there are a few things that we can do to relieve some stress from our super charged lives.

Minute to Minute Stress Relief

Take a bathroom break. While you are sitting there take four or five deep breaths. It's the old "in with the good, out with the bad" idea and it works.

If it is summer, run cold water over your wrists and think about that vacation you are going to take someday. In the winter run fairly warm water over your wrists and think happy thought about summer.

Go to your car and scream. You might want to make sure the windows are up. If you don't have a car, scream into a scrunched up sweater or hat. Loudly. After your ear-shattering scream, close your eyes and take four or five deep breaths. It's temporary relief but it works too.

Turn on the radio and dance. If you can't dance, tap your feet in time and sing. If singing is out too you can still tap your feet and sing to your self. Music is a great stress reliever and it calms the nerves as well.

Day to Day Stress Relief

Find a hobby you can enjoy without stress. Something soothing like knitting or quilting or even word searches and crosswords. Turn on music you like and lose yourself in your hobby even if it's only for 15 minutes a day.

Garden. Personally I find gardening stressful but apparently I'm the odd one out. Everyone I know who gardens loves it and finds it a most soothing and tension relieving activity.

Exercise. A brisk 20 minute walk or a long slow stroll, either one will help release tension and it's good for you too. Any form of exercise will work. Kickboxing, karate, yoga, Tai Chi, anything that you can really get into. The effects of exercise will last for a long time and going to the gym before you show up at work can keep you sane till at least lunch time. Going after work will give you a restful night which, in itself, is good for tension relief.

Play with your dog or cat. If you haven't got a pet, borrow one. The experts say that having a pet can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and extend your life. Your pet loves you no matter what... well not if it's a cat because cats really only love themselves, but they purr nicely and it's a soothing sound you can enjoy. Your dog will love you under any conditions and will think you are the greatest thing in the universe no matter what you do. Even a hamster or a fish can help reduce the pressures of everyday life.

Take a bubble bath. Yes, even the men can immerse themselves in a nice hot bubbly bath. Once again the experts put bubble baths up near the top of the list of stress relievers. Dim the lights, roll a towel behind your next, grab a nice cold or hot drink and relax.

Have a drink with a friend. Not at a bar or restaurant but in the quiet of your home. Put your feet up and have a really good gab fest. Friends are wonderful. You can rant and rave about big things and little things and then listen while your friend vents back. Sometimes all you need to relax is a good vent.

Stress is becoming a normal part of daily life. Letting it build up with no relief is an accident waiting to happen. The rising incidents involving road rage is a good indicator that a great number of people are not dealing well with stress. If you feel that you can't relief your stress with simple exercises or activities then it is a good idea to seek help. Stress is a killer. Don't be one of the growing number of fatalities that succumb to modern day stress through stroke, high blood pressure and heart attack. Help yourself... talk to your doctor, see a professional.