8 Ways to Relieve Stress
<— Stressed out stick figure guy
It’s tax season and you are stressed out. You are paying off debt, haven’t gotten a bonus in 2 years, still have to rush to do your taxes, run a business, work with clients, feed yourself, feed your kids, feed your friends (ONLY if they pay you back!), feed your clients (they get hungry, too!) and then clean up… oh, and walk uphill in the snow to/from work. It’s coming to a point in the year where things are either winding down or kicking off - let’s face it, you’re probably on the verge of pulling your hair out… or maybe it is just me. Regardless, there are some ways to deal with it… besides going outside for a smoke.
8 Ways to Relieve Stress
8 - Take a nap. As lame as it sounds, taking a nap gives your brain some time off from work. When you nap, you are reminding yourself that you have control over yourself and your schedule. Your brain will take a break and you will feel more in control when you wake up.
7 - Chew gum. Gum = Brain stimulation. Channel your energy into that stick of gum and you will find that you tend to be more focused. If you are in school, chewing gum during tests can potentially help you focus… I am not sure why, nor will I attempt to find some scientific article proving it (because to each is his/her own); but chew with your mouth closed! Last thing anyone wants to hear is *smack, clap, smack, smack, clap, pop*… Oh, the popping, how I loathe thee.
6 - Zone Out. Yep. Stare at a wall and zone out. This is really conditional, depending on how stressed you are. Zoning out doesn’t relax you as much as it simply clears your mind. When you are stressed, there is a lot of activity stirring in your noggin. Though this may not be a long-term remedy, it is probably the easiest one to do (though it wastes the most time).
5 - Finish Something. Feeling like you accomplished something during a time of stress is important - it will drive you to continue. Maybe you can learn how to count to 20 in Chinese. As ridiculous as that example sounds, it may be enough to ease your pressure. The reason you are stressed may be because you feel vulnerable. Reaching a goal (even a small one) is something to boost your confidence and help make rational decisions.
4 - Stretch or Exercise. You are tense. The best way to relieve the tense feeling is to stretch and exercise. You can even stretch from your chair. Just make sure that all of your attention is focused on stretching and relaxing. If you have this option, go outside and play basketball or tennis.
3 - Listen to Music. This goes without saying. Listening to music will often distract your attention and shift your attention to the songs. Don’t necessarily listen to your favorite songs - doing so is predictable and won’t completely relieve the stress. Listening to some new music will divert your attention away from your issues and towards the song. I suggest going to a site like Pandora.
2 - Drive. I don’t necessarily mean go joy-riding (especially with these absurd gas prices). I am suggesting that you change your scenery. Don’t go home, don’t stay at the office, don’t stay at school. Get away from familiar environment.
1 - Plan. There’s nothing better to do with your time than to organize it! As mind-numbingly boring and tedious as that sounds, planning will improve your time management and make your life easier! You will often find the root of your stress to be poor time management. 
There is a common mistake people make when stressed: they eat. I am not about to tell you how to manage your diet, but be aware of this. Stress can seriously affect your eating habits. Instead of eating, maybe you should drink some water as a supplement. Though it isn’t as satisfying, it is better for your body.
Tags: 8 ways to relieve stress, chewing gum, driving, eating while stressed, finishing something, listening to music, planning, reduce stress, relieving stress, stretching and exercising, taking naps, top 8 list to relieve stress, zoning outRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Top # Lists
1 opinion for 8 Ways to Relieve Stress
Bridget
Mar 11, 2008 at 3:23 pm
My favorites are #1, #5, #8. As elusive as they are, doing them would work wonders for a haggled work day!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: