How to Handle Stress - Stress Busters

We all know what it is like to struggle with being stress. It comes in all shapes and sizes and is no respecter of persons. Learn a few simple stress busters that will help you get a handle on the situation and live more stress free.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• wise choices

1. LISTEN TO MUSIC:
   What you need when you experience stress is to have a nice distraction. Why not take a moment and listen to some music that will help soothe you and calm you down. Better yet ... sing along with the music. You will find yourself relaxing rather quickly, and your mind will be taken off the situation that is causing you the stress.

2. EXERCISE:
   Exercise is a nice stress buster. Do some quick jumping jacks or go for a short jog. It will take your mind off the stress, and the physical exertion will allow your body to expel that pent up energy that has been growing inside you. Feel like the stress is going to make you explode? Then exercise to find release.

3. GO GET SOMETHING TO DRINK:
   I'm not referring to alcohol here. I would never condone drowning your stress in alcohol. All I'm suggesting is that you take a break from whatever is causing you the stress and just get a quick drink. It's another simple distraction.

4. CALL A FRIEND:
   Friends are one of the best stress busters. Find that one or two friends who you know you can trust, and when you are feeling stressed, call them for some words of encouragement.

5. DO A CROSSWORD PUZZLE:
   Sounds silly, but pick a fun distraction to get your mind off whatever is causing you the stress. Do a crossword puzzle, word search or sudoku. With the internet, you can find all kinds of good puzzles and games. Find a fun distraction.

6. READ A MAGAZINE OR NEWSPAPER:
   Newspaper articles and magazines are great stress busters. Again, they provide a nice break to think about something else. I find the comics to be the best option. There is nothing like a good laugh to relieve some stress.

7. GET A FISH TANK:
   Research has shown that having fish nearby can be extremely relaxing. It must be the sense of seeing the fish just float so effortlessly in the water that brings us a sense of tranquility and reduces our stress. Give it a try.

Tips & Warnings

• Find the distraction that works for you. Experiment with the ideas above or some of your own.
• Learn to catch yourself and take a break before you get "too stressed out." The earlier you take your break, the easier you will find that it is to relieve the stress.

[ramblin62]

on 12/1/2009 Some helpful stress buster ideas here! Getting a fish tank can really work too. Had one in college, and gave one as a gift (w/ a fish, of course). Nice article. tx.

[knowball]

on 11/30/2009 Great stress busters, but you forgot one -
take some time off and read an ehow article!

Seriously though - you have a great list of steps there!

[knowball]

on 11/30/2009 great stress busters, but you forgot one - take off and read an ehow article! Just kidding - you have a great list of steps there!

[pinchy]

on 11/28/2009 great tips for getting rid of stress!

[lilacone]

on 11/27/2009 Great tips on dealing with stress, thanks for sharing..5 stars