You are currently browsing the Stress Reducer Blog blog archives for March, 2009.

Mindless, routine tasks are stress reducers

March 26th, 2009

Today, my dog Heidi Heidi is having a malignant tumor removed from her ear, and I have been terribly stressed since it was diagnosed on Friday. Knowing the chances are 95% in our favor, and that removing it will be all the treatment needed, hasn’t done much to appease the stress monster. It’s that uncertain 5% that just won’t let go.

Though prayers are welcome, that’s not why I’m sharing this. I’m sharing it because of what I’ve been observing in myself as I deal with the uncertainty.

Mostly I’ve been feeling distracted, so concentrating on anything has been difficult and lack of sleep has exacerbated the lack of focus. It’s been hard getting any work done, and after a frustrating Monday, I finally gave up trying to do any more than what was absolutely necessary. Sometimes you just need to let it all go.

As stress reducers go, spiritual practice and physical activity are tried and true. They have helped, of course, but what’s been most helpful has been doing routine, catchup tasks…things that don’t require much attention or focus like overdue computer maintenance (we’re humming now), clearing out cupboards, running errands I’d been putting off, and a bit of spring cleaning.

Even checking email and twittering have been oddly soothing, and for these few days I have allowed myself that indulgence, slippery slope though it may be.

What hasn’t helped is sitting around thinking about it, or even worse, watching TV. Keeping busy doing stuff I normally hate doing, has really helped a lot.

What about you? Does this resonate? If you’ve been in a similar situation, what’s helped you most?

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Tap, Tap, Tap…EFT Works as a Stress Reducer

March 18th, 2009

I’ve been teaching clients EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) ever since I first learned it. It’s an extremely effective stress reducer.

What I like best about it is that it’s not dependent on you going to see a practitioner. Once you’ve learned it, you can do it anytime you need it. I find that empowering.

This is a good instructional video I found on YouTube. Yes the presentation is a bit dry, but it’s clear and easy to follow.

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Stress Reducer Blog Recommends…

March 12th, 2009

If there was ever an age of anxiety, I’d say this is it, and this book has some great answers.

I have been recommending this book to clients since it first came out in 1997 because it embraces the whole range of anxiety from toxic to sacred. His “A+ Formula: Turning Anxiety into Awareness and Action” is a very similar to the model I use for solving any problem, and it’s extremely effective.

It’s a pretty easy read too. My cousin read my copy over Thanksgiving weekend…cover to cover.

Just so you know, Finding Serenity in the Age of Anxiety appears to be out of print at the moment (I expect it will be back because it’s just too good) and that means there are some terrific deals to be had. Right now you can get a copy for less than $10 including the shipping.

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Stress still a problem?

March 11th, 2009

Okay, you’ve improved your diet, consulted your health care provider about supplements, and you’ve given it all time to kick in (don’t forget that part), but you’re still feeling stressed.

I know in our ‘better living through chemistry’ culture, many of you may be ready to try the big gun pharmaceuticals as stress reducers, but before you do….

There are many homeopathic remedies and herbs that can reduce stress without all the side effects and potential addiction that comes with the usual anti-anxiety meds. When homeopathy works (it doesn’t always), it’s like magic. Certainly worth a try.

Visit a homeopath or naturopath who can make recommendations specifically for you. These things are very individual, and you really haven’t lived until you’ve been through a homeopathic assessment….comprehensive doesn’t even begin to describe it.

While I’m on the subject, acupuncture can be a wonderful stress reducer as well.

For minor stress you may find some over the counter products at places like Whole Foods but for the best possible outcome, work with a professional trained in alternative treatments.

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So…how’s your diet?

March 10th, 2009

I know you know all this so take it as a friendly reminder.

By far the best way to get good nutrition is through the food you eat.

Now I’m no hard core food fanatic. Mostly I go for what I like and what makes me feel good, but there are some real basic, common sense adjustments you can make that can really help with stress reduction.

First eliminate caffeine and sugar.

I love my coffee and I understand how hard it can be to stop drinking it, but too much can really jangle the nerves. I’ve experienced and I’m pretty sure you have too. If stress is a problem in your life, try switching to decaf for a week and see if it makes a difference. If you can’t switch all at once, start with half high test and half decaf then gradually increase the decaf.

The same goes for sugar. Just run an experiment to see if eliminating it helps. Would it be worth living without your regular sugar rush if it reduced your overall stress? Think about it.

Next, look at what you’re eating. The best sources of the stress reducer nutrients you need are in whole grains, dairy, nuts (especially almonds), green veggies (broccoli is one of the best) and some fish. If these aren’t a regular part of your diet, then try adding a bit here and there to start. Some of it’s really yummy, and some an acquired taste, but all of it’s really good for you and can help to reduce your stress.

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