Five Good Ways to De-Stress

posted April 3, 2008 - 5:03pm

Five Good Ways to De-Stress

When times get tough in the workforce,
it all seems so depressing,
all you hear are slamming doors,
because everybody's stressing.

If every bit of stress that we feel from day to day, gets bottled up, at some point, there will be a blow out. We need to have some sort of productive "release valve" to deal with it - the human body can only hold so much in before the stress and anger begins to manifest itself on the outside. For example, illness or aggression in otherwise healthy, non-violent types of people.

There are many good healthy ways to deal with everyday stressors as well as the big ones that come along every so often. So before you take your angst out on somebody else (whether you feel they deserve it or not) or damage your stuff for nothing in a regrettable action, try these simple techniques instead.

1. Exercise: This strengthens our bodies and immune systems. It increases our body's resistence against stess and anxiety helping us to deal with any major problems. Exercise is a productive way to use up our aggression and anger and any negative energies that might be lingering after a hard day.

2. Don't Bottle up Emotions: If something or somebody makes you angry, don't hold it in, deal with it when it happens. Sometimes reacting right away instead of letting it brew, can keep it from building up. Taking care of each problem as it develops, saves a lot of stress from getting out of hand to begin with.

3. Keep a journal or diary: This will help you to keep track of the triggers and all the thoughts and emotions that seem to be present when your anger arises.
A variation of this one, is to write letters. Writing angry letters and sealing them in an envelope helps you get those bottled up emotions out. Once it is in the envelope, you can either burn it, or put it away somewhere and forget about it. By doing either of those things, you are getting rid of the bad feelings in a way that is harmless but practical.

4. Scream: Find a place where your screaming won't disturb anybody, if that is too hard grab a pillow. Let it rip, scream long and loud. Scream and shout until you have nothing left to let loose. You might have a rough voice for a short time but you will feel much better.

5. Meditation: I highly recommend it for everybody and everything. Learning to meditate will take your mind off of your stress factors as well as assist in other aspects of your life, like insomnia, tension headaches, and many things that may need it whether they are due to the stress or not.

By reducing our own stress, agitation or anxiety, we can greatly reduce that of those around us and in turn, helps us not only feel better about ourselves but also keeps us from getting to the boiling point to begin with. Think about how much trouble and energy you will save yourself by trying a few simple techniques. It could change your outlook and your life.