Stress Management Tool

Being Thankful- A great stress management tool!    

We live in a land where we have so much to be thankful for! Why do we have need to complain when on a daily basis we have clean water, good food to eat, shelters over our head, heating and cooling systems to keep us comfortable, the ability to work, employment opportunities in many fields, a great educational system, an effective and caring emergency and hospital system. We have freedom of speech and freedom to move from state to state without check points or other restrictions. We can trade freely and do business locally, nationally and even globally and the list goes on!

Times can be tough and uncertain but we have within us the power to chose and the power to act. Let us take some time this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season to count our many blessings and spread a little more gratitude and kindness for everything we do and not grumble about the things we don't have.

"Stress is not necessarily something bad - it all depends on how you take it. The stress of exhilarating, creative successful work is beneficial, while that of failure, humiliation or infection is detrimental."     Hans Selye

Attitude: A person's attitude can influence whether or not a situation or emotion is stressful. A person with a negative attitude will often report more stress than would someone with a positive attitude.You have the power to improve your thought. If you are not happy where you are, then move! Sometimes we settle for what we get in life instead of taking action towards what we really want.

• Take a class to improve your mind
• Change what you are doing for work. It may be what you need. Change the department you're working in.
• Determine your natural talents and do more of what you are good at.
• Find new interests or hobbies
• Get new friends if you need a new environment
• Paint the house
• Get connected with people you've lost touch with
• Life is short-get out and enjoy it a little more.
• Practice a little more creativity.

Physical well-being: The body is able to cope with everything except toxicity and starvation. Many of us have a lifestyle that does not allow the body to fully recover from daily stresses. A poor diet puts the body in a state of physical stress and weakens the immune system. As a result, a person is more likely to be subject to disease and infections. A poor diet can mean unhealthy food choices, not eating enough, or not eating on a regular schedule. To fuel the body properly an individual needs to start the day with a substantial breakfast. Three full meals and three snacks are recommended daily. Eat less and more frequently to have the energy to take on the day!

Starvation at the cellular level is a form of physical stress that also decreases the body's ability to deal with emotional stress. Not getting the right nutrition may affect the way the brain processes information. How we think affects what we do and ultimately who we become. Keep sharp-feed your brain. Great brain foods include fish, broccoli and oatmeal.

We live in a state of high altitude and a dry climate. Many of us do not get adequate water on a daily basis to keep the body's systems functioning at optimal levels. Dehydration is the cause of many ailments. Our bodies are 70% water and drinking enough water is the key to avoiding illness and distress. It is recommended that an individual drinks half his/her body weight in ounces per day. A 200lb male would need to consume 100 oz of water to meet the body's daily needs.

Relaxation: TAKE A BREAK! Getting adequate rest at night and taking short breaks and even power naps during the day allows the body to rejuvenate, reset and re-boot. We need to do better as a nation in taking vacations and long-weekends to get away and recreate.

• Listening to music
• Practicing yoga, meditation or some form of stretching
• Listen to your body
• Take time for personal interests and hobbies

Support Systems: Most everyone needs someone in their life they can rely on when they are having a hard time. Having little or no support makes stressful situation even more difficult to deal with. Great friends are priceless!

Physical activity

• Start a physical activity program. Most experts recommend doing a 20 minutes of aerobic activity three times per week.
• Find a buddy to exercise with-it is more fun and it will encourage you to   stick with your routine.
• Decide on a specific time, type, amount and level of physical activity. Fit this time into your schedule so it can be part of your routine.
• Check out the many options at local gyms and recreation centers to get in shape. The ultimate exercise is walking-and it's FREE!

 Nutrition

• Plan to eat foods that improve your health and well-being (Fruits and Vegetables, whole grains, good sources of protein)
• Eat the right amount of food on a regular schedule.
• Take supplements if needed

To Review

AN INDIVIDUAL STRESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

• Make an effort to stop negative thoughts
• Stay away from negative people
• Turn off the news
• Refocus the negative into the positive
• Vacate and take a break to have some fun
• Eat well-balanced meals
• Drink 8 glasses of water per day
• Get 8 hours of sleep per night
• Take 15 minutes for meditation/prayer daily
• Dedicate 20 minutes daily to some form of physical exercise
• Lovable pets reduce stress-hug your cat or dog!
• Get out and do some form of service

What is it you're thankful for?
Family and friends, to be sure.
Kindness from others, love that is true
Having a pal that is special like you.
We can give thanks in so many ways,
Not just at Thanksgiving, but everyday!