While it is impossible to lead a stress-free life it is possible to find ways of coping and managing stress and its effects on the body and mind.
Every body responds differently to stress so it is important to consider that there is no one panacea for stress. For some an hour in front of the television watching cartoons can beat a bad day’s worth of stress. Others find comfort in running or simply taking a nap.
Exercise
Different forms of exercise can be great sources of stress relief – jogging, walking or hiking in the woods. One combination approach is growing in popularity amongst walkers, the Walking Meditation. This form of walking brings the walker’s attention to his steps, breath and the beauty around him.
Becoming a Child
Children do not yet experience adult-level stressors in their lives and are encouraged to spend free time as play time. Adults can find ways to be a kid again and play through to relaxation and peace.
- Coloring – an adult can appreciate coloring using pencils or crayons for complex projects such as a Mandala. A coloring book such as Madonna Gauding’s World Mandalas: 100 New Designs for Coloring and Meditation [Godsfield, 2006, ISBN 1841812579] is a good start, or an online search for simpler templates will start playtime much sooner.
- Visit a Park – sometimes it is necessary to observe a child at play before an adult can join her. A visit to a playground or local park with a niece or nephew can be a great way to unwind.
Picking up a Hobby
Creativity can be very enjoyable, even meditative for some. Easy skill levels might be scrapbooking or counted cross stitch. The outdoor adventure type will be keen on rafting, sailing or rock climbing. Whatever the fitness and interest level there is a hobby for everyone out there.
Meditation
This form of relaxation can be done practically anywhere and can take only a few short minutes yet leave several hours of benefits. Quick office meditations can be done from the worker’s chair in front of her desk.
Prevention
While all forms of stress cannot be prevented, such as the loss of a loved one, many of them can. These tips help prevent stress before it starts or has a chance to cause ill effects:
- Get a good night’s sleep – according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute¹ there are more than 70 kinds of sleep disorders that are affecting at least 40 million Americans.
- Use Caffeine with caution – an addictive stimulant, caffeine can be harmful to the body in high quantities.
- Relax, often – according to the Mayo Clinic relaxation techniques can improve the physical response to stress by reducing muscle tension and lowering blood pressure².
References:
- Your Guide to Health Sleep, NIH Publication No. 06-5271, November 2005.
- Relaxation techniques: Learn Ways to calm your stress, Mayo clinic, March 7, 2007, accessed online 2008.
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