10 Stress Reducing Techniques

Stress comes from many different sources. If stress is allowed to accumulate and get out of control it not only decreases our quality of life but creates illness in the body. If allowed to continue it has been known to shorten the life span.

Here are 10 different ways that might help to decrease stress.

1. Play some relaxing music.
2. Get plenty of sleep.
3. Eat a good diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. If necessary take a vitamin supplement.
4. Get some sunshine regularly.
5. Take a walk outdoors. Take time to enjoy the flowers, sunset, scenery etc.
6. Having soft squeezable items handy can help to release tension.
7. Take up a hobby. Find something that you enjoy doing and make time for it.
8. Running. Any form of exercise that is enjoyed will help to reduce stress.
9. Have a pet. Many people keep pets to help reduce stress.
10. Have an aquarium. Keeping an aquarium has been known to help to lower blood pressure and to relieve stress.

What ever method of stress reduction that you choose, it must be readily available. Choose something that will fit in with your way of life.

As a bonus tip I am told that playing computer games works to reduce stress but if they are played as a form of procrastination they will eventually increase the stress. So choose your stress reduction method wisely.

Enjoy life and have fun

Jocelyn

A Positive Mental Attitude and Stress

Can a positive mental attitude reduce or relieve stress? The evidence would say yes. One of the many reasons for this is that when in a state of positive mental attitude, we are more able to see stressful situations in ways that seem to be less of a threat or danger. In that case our body doesn't kick in the harmful reactions.

There are a variety of simple things that we can do that can help us to have a more positive mental attitude. Each of these will also help reduce stress levels. This list is far from complete. See how many more ideas you can add.

• Regular walking - 30 minutes a day
• Humor is a great stress reducer and encourages a positive mental attitude.
• Take time each day to relax and review the positives in your life.
• Smile
• Laugh
• Be nice to people

Our mental attitude, whether positive or negative, has an impact on whether our stress levels are high or low. Perhaps one of the following quotes might strike a chord with you, helping you to create a more positive mental attitude.

• "Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, "this is the real me," and when you have found that attitude, follow it." James Truslow Adams
  
  
• "One of your most valuable assets is a good sense of humor. In general, humorous people are fun to be with, have less stress and a healthier outlook on life." Catherine Pulsifer
  
  
• "Your mental attitude is something you can control outright and you must use self-discipline until you create a Positive Mental Attitude - your mental attitude attracts to you everything that makes you what you are" Napolean Hill
  
  
• "You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you." Brian Tracy
  
  
• "Life can be wildly tragic at times, and I've had my share. But whatever happens to you, you have to keep a slightly comic attitude. In the final analysis, you have got to not forget to laugh." Katherine Hepburn
  
  
• "Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure." Norman Vincent Peale
  
  
• "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." Author unknown
  
  
• "The optimist sees opportunity in every danger, the pessimist sees danger in every opportunity." Winston Churchill
  
  
• "A strong positive attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug." Patricia Neal

I am sure that there are hundreds and thousands of quotes in existence that relate to a positive mental attitude. If you have a favourite quote that you would like to share. Please feel free share it with us by leaving it as a comment.

Positively reduce your stress today

Jocelyn

7 Easy Everyday Ways to Keep in Good Health

For the first post in this blog, I thought I'd start by considering 7 easy, everyday ways to help keep in good health. It is a lot easier to maintain good health than it is to recover good health once it is gone. So a little effort in the first place is worth while in order to avoid the pain and expense of illness.

1. Eat good, natural, wholesome food. Processed, packaged food that is full of additives and bears little resemblance to the original foodstuff, can put a large load on your system. Choosing fresh, natural produce that you prepare yourself allows you to be in control of what you eat.

2. Take some form of exercise on a regular basis. This does not have to be expensive or excessive. Even a 30-60 minute walk 3 or 4 times a week is a good start.

3. Keep your weight within the healthy guidelines for your height. Excess weight leaves us vulnerable to a whole host of health problems and shortens our life expectancy by 3 - 10 years. If your weight is already out of control work with someone to help coach you to achieve your desired outcome.

4. Choose natural cleaning products over chemical products that are made of toxic substances such as petrochemicals. Toxins from cleaning products can enter our systems through skin contact and from any fumes that are breathed in. Simple things like bi-carb soda, vinegar and lemon juice can cover most of the cleaning needs in a house, or try using steam.

5. Use personal products that do not contain chemicals. The average person uses 9 personal products daily exposing them to 126 chemicals. There are now many non chemical products to choose from. There are many benefits both to you and the environment in using the chemical free products.

6. Reduce your stress load. Excessive negative stress can contribute to a variety of health problems ranging from heart attacks to depression. Interrupt the stress cycle and change the things that you can control.

7. Keep a positive mental attitude. Our thoughts, whether positive or negative, affect our environment. If they are negative we will automatically look for things that confirm that viewpoint. A positive mental attitude assists us in making choices and taking actions that give positive results.

Each of these tips could be expanded to a length of many articles. If you would like more information, or how to tips on any topic please let me know by leaving a comment.

Keep in good health

Jocelyn