Do You Need Stress Relief
Learning healthy coping skills will help you have a wonderful outlook!
Do you need STRESS RELIEF?
Are you stressed? Is there something weighing on your mind? Is there some inner conflict? Is there something happening in your life and you don’t know how things will work out? You are not alone! At some point in time everyone experiences a certain degree of stress. Feelings actually lets you know that you are still here. A small amount of stress is actually healthy. It keeps you on your toes and motivates you to shift. Do you need stress relief?
Life today can be quite complex at times.
There are many pressures on varying diverse levels, more so at times for some. You can actually worry yourself sick. To name a few, stress affects your happiness, brings on acne, can cause hair loss, weight gain, weight loss, high blood pressure, panic attacks, anxiety, impacts your sex drive as well as hampers your infertility. If you are experiencing a significant amount of stress don’t wait until you are completely overwhelmed to find some relief. Conflict and stress are a normal part of life. If your patience is getting close to nil know; you are reaching your limit. Don’t wait until you explode and get really angry to express yourself. This will only further complicate the situation. While angry and out of control you say and do things that can be destructive. Begin to shift NOW!
Whenever there is a major crisis going on take a few moments to "BE STILL & KNOW!" Life will at times present some overwhelming situations. But you can make it through. Keep in mind this too shall pass. You may have to take it moment by moment. But you must not allow it to consume you. You are not helping yourself or anyone else. Know your limits. When you are on empty control your tongue. If necessary simply close your mouth. This may seem cold hearted but face the fact; how you cope in stressful situations impact your mind, body & soul. Therefore, know it is important think before you react. It is better to take control and respond and proceed with caution.
Stress is defined as; “Forces from the outside world impinging on the individual. Stress is a normal part of life that can help us learn and grow. Conversely, stress can cause us significant problems.
Stress releases powerful neurochemicals and hormones that prepare us for action (to fight or flee). If we don't take action to relieve the stress and the way in which you response to it can lead to health problems. Prolonged, uninterrupted, unexpected, and unmanageable stresses are the most damaging types of stress. See medicinenet.com
When you are stressed, it becomes difficult to respond properly. Many often become verbally or emotionally abusive. For some they respond impulsively and or physically, in an inappropriate manner when they lack proper coping skills. When stressed you can become quite tense. It may be harder to concentrate, you may even get a headache, terrible migraine or your heart begins to race. Some begin to sweat profusely. This is a clear indication that YOU NEED to make a shift. DO not go into denial. Confront however you are feeling and learn to deal with it responsibly.
Self-control is a Virtue.
You need to learn how to calmly respond if you are subject to having angry erratic outbursts. Some of you can go into a frantic rage. You really need to get a grip on this. You cannot take back words. Learn to control your mouth. Be mindful of what you allow to pass between your lips. Self-control is a virtue. Here is something that will help you. Take a moment; Imagine a cup of ice cubes being slowly yet gently poured over your head. Allow yourself to feel the refreshing coolness of the ice gently melting over you. Now; Begin to allow your anger to subside. Please! Practice learning how to; Think before you respond!
S STOP!
T THINK!
R REFOCUS!
E ENERGIZE
S STAY
S SAFE!
When the pressures of life begin to get to you it is important that you get a grip on your emotions. No, again I am not saying go into denial! How you feel is important. So no do not suppress them. Your feelings need to be validated. Face them. Depression will result if you don’t deal with what is happening in the moment. Depression is anger turned inside! Learn to face the TRUTH in a healthy way... You instead continually push things to the background and do not properly confront them. It is important to get to the root of what triggered it. Be persistent in finding healthy ways to relieve your depression. You cannot expect everyone to always adjust to how you feel. Depression is real... When it gets to the point you are not able to cope you will probably need professional help! And or maybe in extreme cases you will even need medication?
Seek out alternative resources for anger management if you have “out of control behavior.” Cursing, yelling and screaming is really your inner child acting out. Quite often you have learned some unhealthy dynamics that need to be changed. It may be hard for you to just say how you are feeling without being so angry. Your anger is a clear indication that you are also hurting. An outburst will often result in something or someone triggering your anger and setting you “off.” If this is the case know that you are being controlled by remote. Learn how to stay “on” track!
Here are a few ways to relieve stress.
If you are stressed? It is important to begin to spend some quiet time to unwind. Learn to develop better coping skills. Consistently pursue your alternatives until you can find something that works for you. Spend some constructive time alone until you can better express yourself. Here are a few suggested therapy exercises;
1. Writing a letter to anyone who has hurt you is good. Express exactly how you feel candidly. In any words you want. Don't even worry about punctuation. This is for your eyes only. Then tear it up and throw it away. You can even bury it or burn it up. You literally get to take out the "trash" that has been weighing you down...This will give you a momentary sense of relief. But actually, helps you to move forward by letting out your frustrations rather than to suppress them.
2. You can also get an empty chair and place it in front of you; imagine that the person is sitting there and say to whomever has hurt you how you genuinely feel. This can be therapeutic which can also lessen the power of it being triggered within you at an unexpected moment. When you do this, observe your own emotions. It helps you validate your feelings and get a handle on the situation whenever they are in your presence. If they have died know that the residual fears and anxiety, you carry with you need to be released. You continue to harbor and carry the pain as though they are present say goodbye to it. Acknowledge that their threat to your well-being no longer exists unless you allow it. This is to help you take control and release any anger, hurt, shame or disappointment!
3. Listen to some relaxing music; good Gospel music, classical, symphony or jazz. Turn the music up and get you a good comfy pillow out and have yourself a good cry!
You need to release the pain and pressure from your mind, body & soul. The point is to choose something that places you in a listening mode and get in touch with your emotions. You can also do some exercising, work it out, or just taking a leisure walk helps. If you can't walk do some hilarious jumping jacks or jump rope.
You can also opt to entertain yourself with a good anger free funny movie. Have yourself some good ole healthy laughing...The objective is; You now have decided to no longer let what has happened to sit on the shelf of your mind and ferment! You are now beginning to move forward towards letting whatever it is to go. This also helps you move towards wholeness.
The point in utilizing either of these exercises is to increase your healthy coping skills. You can get better. You can make some changes. You really can learn how to better exercise self-control.
You are now beginning to take out the trash that has begun to weigh you down. Ask the Lord to lift you higher in Him!
If your family is stressed?
Set some quiet time aside from the television or any outside distractions and have a family “pow wow.” Make sure that this does not turn into a shouting match... Select a moderator or two. Someone who is able to be objective and determine when it is time for the next person to speak. Each person should have at least two times to speak. You can even use a timer. Allow those concerned to freely talk about how they are feeling. Give everyone equal time to express their feelings. Then have each of them talk about how they feel as well as how they think things can be improved.
It is helpful to have one of the children be responsible to moderate as well when the situation concerns them, you will be surprised. This helps them acquire coping skills as well. Never let anyone disrespect you in your own home. It is the one place where you have the right to set and control the tone for a healthy environment. Your objective here is to create a balanced, healthy, loving, open, nurturing, safe environment!
Is your marriage stressed?
You need to set aside some quiet time where the two of you can calmly discuss what are the issues at hand. If you do not address them, they will continue to be a part of your relationship. Make a point to refine & rekindle that LOVE that brought the two of you together! Restore the JOY of just being together and enjoying one another. When two together row a boat it gets to the desired destination faster.
Marriage is the ultimate partnership between a man and a woman. God also wants you both to have a mutually fulfilling pleasurable sexual relationship. Marital sex is sanctioned by God. The marriage bed is undefiled. This dispels any myths about marriage. Remember God created marriage. "...Therefore, shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and wife, and not ashamed..." Genesis 1 This is a time for the two of you to privately and romantically be joined together physically.
Taking time to just cuddle sometimes is healthy and beneficial as well. You both can learn to become "ONE" in a special way like no other. In a healthy marriage, you both are caring, supportive, respectful as well as sensitive to one another. Trust is important in marriage. You also give one another space... This also eliminates being clingy or needy. You both always want what's best for one another as well as your marriage. You also pray for and with one another. Remember husband and wife were created by GOD to be one.
MARRIAGE to GOD is "HOLY MATRIMONY!!!" Keep in mind according to the WORD of GOD, GOD does not approve of any sexual relationships outside of marriage.
Having a weekly date night is great as well! This can be something ever so simple as a walk in the park, to being adventurous, or something exciting, or even very extravagant.
What is important that you rekindle and establish more precious memories. Remember you cannot change what has happened. But you can decide to go forward. Yes, you will probably have to also revisit where you have been... Don't get stuck here. But keep in mind, this is to remind you of where you do not want to stay or continue to go.
Is your job stressing you out?
You need to make an appointment to talk to your supervisor, boss, employees or coworkers and let them know how you are feeling. Make sure you are not angry when you do this. Find a neutral spot if possible. Writing down what you want to say will help you stay focused. If you feel that you may lose your thoughts or say something inappropriate reschedule. Graciously delay it until you are ready. The point is you want to take control not lose it. If they are not willing; it just may be better to begin looking for employment somewhere else. If you don’t at some point your health will become affected working continuously under such poor conditions.
Please wait until you find another suitable position before you give them notice if you are planning on leaving. Remember life is precious and important. And you do not want to spend the majority of your time stressed... Take some time and think things over. This may also be the very place that you must learn how to better deal with stress. It is always possible your boss and coworkers may possibly learn to respect you...
Prayer and The Scriptures are great resources.
Incorporating prayer and meditating upon the scriptures will yield much peace in your life. If you are a believer prayer should be a daily occurrence. Spending time with God is important. Knowing His word is important as well. Actively implementing the principles in your daily life are key to resolving inner conflict and stress. The scriptures were meant to point us to a better way of life.
To help us to develop a personal relationship with God our Creator and Maker. God has provided a wonderful plan of Salvation for all who are willing to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. God always allows us to choose. Jesus is able to save you from the power of sin reigning in your life! Invite Him into you daily life regularly...He can help you harness your anger and become much more disciplined. Jesus came to show us that better Way! To help you discover your true purpose in life!
Redemptive Confrontation
Stress again is a normal part of life. Taking the time to communicate your feelings in a healthy manner means you care. "Redemptive Confrontation" is a great tool to utilize in whatever the problem is or in dealing with however you are feeling. The point here is you desire to resolve any conflict in a constructive manner. You are not going into denial but consciously making a point to deal with the situation in a healthy manner You want to face what has happened... There are times however, when anger has become so grievous that it is better to table having a discussion. Wait to talk until you both can be courteous and civil to one another. The idea here is not to create more conflict. This is always much better for you and those around you.
Everyone has a not so good day from time to time. Don’t major in the minors! Just make sure that stress has not become the theme for your everyday lifestyle. You are missing the point of your existence. Life is too short and precious to spend the majority of your time angry, sad and or stressed out! Make an effort to create a relaxing home environment. Promote quality sleep. Taking time to have some restful and relaxing sleep is crucial to your well-being.
It is important to begin to work towards having a healthier balance in life. Always remember, self-control is a virtue! Begin moving towards creating a warm, more peaceful, safe and loving environment. Learning coping skills and ways to manage stress will also result in a healthier wonderful outlook as well as becoming healthier spiritually, physically and emotionally.
YES! You do need STRESS RELIEF?
Dreamstime.com
© 2009 Elder DeBorrah K Ogans
Comments
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 24, 2010:
Stars, Great! You are so welcome! I hope this is helpful! Thank you for stopping by to share! In HIS Love, Peace & Blessings!
stars439 from Louisiana, The Magnolia and Pelican State. on September 23, 2010:
Thank you for the wonderful advice. Stress is a very unpleasant condition to have. God Bless You Dear Heart.
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on October 08, 2009:
Waren E
Thank you for taking the time to stop by...
Again Thank You!
Blessings!
Waren E from HAS LEFT THE BUILDING............ on October 07, 2009:
Nice advice there DeBorrah K. Ogans ,It was good read,
God Bless!
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 28, 2009:
Dolores Monet,
Thank you and I am glad that you found this helpful!
Your suggestion of a Day of Rest is great as well
Blessings
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 28, 2009:
Jessica Horn,
You are so right! Thank you for visiting
Blessings
Dolores Monet from East Coast, United States on September 28, 2009:
Very nice, well thought out article with lots of tips for fighting stress.
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 26, 2009:
Kimberly Bunch,
Thank you and I am so glad this was helpful! Feelings are important and need to be validated. You can't take words back... Tearing the letter up and Throwing it away puts you in control and helps you to release tension. You are right about sending the letter.
Thank you for visiting!
Blessings
Jessica Horn on September 26, 2009:
Stress has been running my life & sometimes I just need to sit back, relax & enjoy the ride. Thanks for the reminder!
Kimberly Bunch from EAST WENATCHEE on September 26, 2009:
This is a great Hub and just the one that can help many. You mention one needs 'Proper Coping Skills' and also you give tips which are very helpful. I also like that you said to tear up the letter. The big mistake is when people send those letters! Great Job!
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 25, 2009:
Cristina327,
Thank you for sharing and your encouraging words. I am enjoying your wonderful hubs as well. It is so very important with so much going on in life, that we seek healthy creative ways to improve and live, richer, happier fuller lives! Thank You for visiting!
Blessings
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 25, 2009:
Sarah m Marie,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and kind words. I agree we need to "put more time in rejuvinating our lives..." Thank you for visiting.
Blessings
Cristina Santander from Manila on September 25, 2009:
This is indeed a great article on stress. You emphasized helpful tips that should be considered by every person in the world in order to live a better and happier life. Thank you for sharing this article on Hubpages.
Sarah m Marie on September 24, 2009:
Wonderful words of wisdom. We all need to put more time into rejuvinating our lives rather than just depleting them. Thank you!
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 22, 2009:
JesusmyJoy
Know that the Lord is with you and He Loves you! When it seems like the load is getting too heavy take a few moments, pause, and focus on something that reminds you of God's presence with you. It can be as simple as taking a deep breath, observing a flower or looking up to the sky. Then just give Him some PRAISE!
Rememmber His promises "COME to Me all you who LABOR and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you WILL find rest for your souls. For MY yoke is EASY and My burdens light."
May the Lord continue to Bless and Keep you!
Thank you for taking the time to stop by. You are always welcome!
Blessings
Betty Bolden from Bucyrus Ohio on September 22, 2009:
thank you for this, i stay stressful with all that is going on in my family and my life.
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 12, 2009:
travel_man1971
You are welcome! I am glad that this hub was helpful! No doubt these are some interesting economic times. I am sure you needed that payment yesterday or two weeks ago. Evidently your fleet manager is stressed as well by his choice words. He triggered a response in you. You can not change what has been said so don't camp here too long.
The good thing is you are aware of how you feel and how others make you feel. That is a good thing. Each time is an opportunity to respond differently...
When you think about it you have done all you know to do. Those who are expecting monies from you tell them you will when you can... In the meantime continue to find healthy ways to relieve your stress. Like pouring those ice cubes slowly over your head (L0L)
This is not to make light of your situation it is to help you use this time while you are waiting to not let your emotions take you were you don't want to go.
Blessings
Ireno Alcala from Bicol, Philippines on September 12, 2009:
Thanks, DeBorrah for this relaxing article. You see,I am in a stressful condition nowadays,because I realy need my leave payment from my maritime agency. It's been two weeks now since I signed off from my recent commercial vessel. When I emailed the main office of my agency, the fleet manager called me and said cuss words that I can't take. My emotiond welled up and I answered back matching his stern voice. (Sighs) Good thing I read your article. Salamat (Thank you in Filipino language).
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 12, 2009:
Tracy711,
Welcome to Hubpages!
I am touched by your honesty. It is wonderful wanting to help others! It is amazing how God works when we do what comes naturally.
It is quite understandable that you are feeling moody at times. I can only imagine; I believe you when you say that having a brain tumor is stressful. Make sure you let your doctor know how you are feeling as well.
I pray that everyday you find someone or something that continues to keep you encouraged! Make sure you find things you are able to do that are enjoyable! Continue to seek healthy ways to release any stress that you are aware of and be patient with yourself. As you continue to reach out I pray that the Lord touches you and that you feel His presence comfort and love with you. God is able!
Thank you for sharing and you are welcome at any time
Blessings
I believe
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 12, 2009:
Traeme,
Thank you and I am glad. Let me know if it helps?
Blessings
Tracy711 on September 12, 2009:
Hi, I'm a newbie and I actually started doing hub pages to try and help people out however I could but I noticed in doing so it also has been helping me. You see I have alot of health issues do to a brain tumor and one of the things is I have to take steroids and they make me moody and inpatient. That is not my personality but that's how they make me react. So this causes me stress, just the fact that I take steroids causes me stress, so i wanted to thank you for this article it really helped me. I look forward to readiing more of your hubs.
Traemae from boston area on September 12, 2009:
great article It will keep me thinking before I react
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 12, 2009:
James A Watkins,
Thank you for coming. Your encouraging words are most appreciated!
Everyone one has a different temperament. It is important to be in tuned to what works best for you personally to alleviate any stress. Life is so very precious and at times fragile. Even when you try your best things still happen that are beyond your control... At times it can become overwhelming. It is during those times we must lean to the Lord. May the Peace of God rest on you and be with you.
Blessings
James A Watkins from Chicago on September 12, 2009:
This is an outstanding and needful article. Stress is a killer. I find vigorous exercise really helps because, as you say, stress releases certain chemicals—fight or flight response—that confuse us if they have no release. I enjoyed your work here and your writing is excellent.
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 11, 2009:
Lady E,
Thank you for visiting and I am glad that you have been encouraged.
I think the picture will make a great screensaver so Enjoy!
Blessings
Lady_E on September 11, 2009:
This is a Hub one needs to refer to from time to time. The number of people having heart problems is rising and most of it is down to Stress. Thanks for your encouraging Hub. :)
Ps. that pic is gorgeous, I will copy it and use it as a screensaver. Just looking at it is calming.
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 11, 2009:
zyfwm
Thank you for your kind words.
Blessings
Bengriston
You are so right having ways to relieve stress can be helpful!
Blessings
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 11, 2009:
annb106,
You are so right it is easier said than done. By becoming conscious of it rather than ignoring it or pushing it to the back of your mind is much healthier.
Thank you I am glad that this will be somewhat helpful.
Blessings
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 11, 2009:
Fastfreta,
Thank you and feel free to make and add any comments. You never know who it might help or encourage as well. You are always welcomed.
Blessings
bengriston on September 11, 2009:
Stress can be tough sometimes and having a sure way to relief it is a nice outlet to have.
zyfwm on September 11, 2009:
Regulation a good mood, smiling face of all the people and things around you
annb106 on September 11, 2009:
Stress is something that the most of us deal with. They say don't worry about things that you can't change but as we all know that is easier said than done. We all know that if we don't try and conquer it (stress) it will surely conquer us. This is a great article to help with it.
Barbara
Alfreta Sailor from Southern California on September 10, 2009:
This is such a good hub, that I am going to bookmark it. I have so many remarks about what you said, however I won't make them, because you've done such a good job. However I would like to say that the tips that you began with about how relieve stress, the part about writing a letter to someone and tearing it up is something I use to practice on a regular basis, when I was younger. That way I kept a relationship with them, and most times they never knew anything about it. Oops, I said that I wasn't going to rewrite your article. Again, very good.
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 10, 2009:
Nobody
Thank you for your comments!
You are so right "STRESS is real!" I know too many that are going through. I have seen it take so many under. This is why its important to look out for the warning signs.
I can not imagine Life without the Lord! I too am eternally grateful to know that He is a "very present help in time of trouble."
Blessings.
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 10, 2009:
Creativeone59
Thank you for your kind words.
Blessings
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 10, 2009:
Bk Creative,
A few deep breaths, and a little laughter is good. You are utilizing healthier ways to cope with the stress rather than ignore it.
Blessings
Robert E Smith from Rochester, New York on September 10, 2009:
Stress is very real as it presses down on a person. I really don't know how people hold up without the Lord and in fact many times they don't but just crack up. I am so thankful that the Lord is a "very present help in time of trouble." Blessings.
Benny Faye Ashton Douglass from Gold Canyon, Arizona on September 10, 2009:
Thanks for the hub on relieving satress we all to do that sometimes. great hub. creativeone59
BkCreative from Brooklyn, New York City on September 10, 2009:
I felt a bit stressed - because I have a bill to pay - but then I said 'why aggravate myself and fall apart' - I'll hustle up the money and go on to something else. Stupid bill!
Thanks for this reminder to chill out! A few deep breaths, a little laughter, some fun people - it's all good!
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 10, 2009:
The voice,
Thank you for stopping by.
Blessings
Elder DeBorrah K Ogans (author) on September 10, 2009:
Storytellersrus,
Thank you for responding so quickly. I think acronyms are a great way to help us remember! I am glad you find this helpful!
You are so right STRESS "in unmanageable doses" is not good, nor is it healthy!
Blessings
thevoice from carthage ill on September 10, 2009:
Great powerful article mike
Barbara from Stepping past clutter on September 10, 2009:
Thanks for the acronym! I find it helpful. Stress is listed as a reason many come down with viruses like H1N1, so yes, while we need stress to move forward, we don't need it in unmanageable doses. Thanks for suggestions on ways to cut down.
