Coping with Stress and Anxiety

It seems every time we turn on the news these days, there’s a catastrophe to contend with: tornados in Missouri, floods in Mississippi, the tsunami in Japan. And then there are the seemingly endless, answerless issues like high unemployment rates, bleak economic forecasts, and ridiculous gas prices. Add all of these local and global concerns to our own personal trials and tribulations and life can certainly feel overwhelming at times.

The world we live in undoubtedly runs at a fast pace. Sometimes, when it all gets to be too much, the very best thing we can do to take care of ourselves and re-charge our batteries is to call a time out and step off the track. Turn off the news. Throw the newspaper in the recycle bin. Log off. Tune out. No single individual can solve the issues of the world, so feel free to cut yourself some slack, at least for a little while.

Here are some simple suggestions on how to do this:

• Take some long, slow, deep breaths. Breathe in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 2, and breathe out for a count of 6.
• Get outside. Look at the world around you. Notice things you otherwise wouldn’t have taken the time to see. Use all of your senses.
• Get moving. Even if you just have 10 minutes, take a walk, stretch, or go hiking.
• Take a nap.
• Enjoy time with friends and family.
• Eat something that’s good for you. A piece of fruit, some nuts, yogurt. Treat your body to some reliable fuel.
• Play with young kids. Relish their sweet oblivion to the worries of the world.
• Read something for pure enjoyment.
• See a funny movie or TV show.
• Decide what you like to do to pamper yourself and go do it.

Additionally, check out these great suggestions from the American Psychological Association: http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2007/10/stress-tips.aspx

Source

MINES & Associates' HealthPsychology Team

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