Simple Stress Relief
Many, if not most, of us today are living lives overflowing with activity, and often feeling too busy, or at times wondering, 'How did my life get so complicated?' But when we look at what we would cut out of our lives, everything looks important. Cutting things out is difficult! But creating a more simple life is worth the effort in terms of the stress relief it would bring. The trick is to cut out the right things, in the right way.
It may seem obvious, but it's a good idea to cut out things that drain us. Surprisingly, not everyone knows how to do this. We don't want to disappoint people! We don't want to give up important-feeling positions we've worked to attain, or make major changes in our lives. We feel obligated. Or we're so busy, we put off really examining our schedules and making changes until we feel we have the time. Ironically, we won't have the time unless we take the time to create the time in our schedules!
Today, I invite you to make a change, small or big, that will bring greater simplicity and stress relief to your life. Small changes can lead to big results, and even more positive change until you're living the life you feel you were meant to live. The below resources can help you with these changes.
Making Healthy Changes
Don't Love Your Job?
In the current economy, however, most people are reluctant to leave their jobs, even hated jobs, because finding something better may be less likely than finding oneself unemployed, which is worse than working an unloved job. What's a stressed worker to do?
Read my thoughts on this frequently asked question about stress, the "I hate my job, now what?" question--and leave your own solutions (if you have found some solutions to this too-common dilemma) at the bottom.
Additional Job Stress Resources
Stress Relief Secret Weapon: Holiday Shortcuts!
Now that December is here, the holiday season is in full swing! This means different things to different people, but generally we all have our traditions that seem to define the holiday season. Unfortunately, many of these traditions are time-consuming, and as they add up, the holiday season seems to be defined by stress as well! In the past, I've been as guilty of holiday over-scheduling and "tradition perfectionism" as anyone else, perhaps even more so: I'd hand-craft 6 scrapbooks detailing our activities from the past year and tailoring them to various people to give as gifts; I'd send cards that included a photo (specially taken), a card with a personalized and handwritten message, and a newsy letter printed on holiday stationery; I'd bake cookies for all friends and family; we'd take a night to view holiday lights; we'd go to parties; I'd make ornaments by hand to commemorate each year; we'd have a new advent calendar for each year; we'd have special meals; and I'd spend too much on holiday gifts for everyone in our family--all in a quest to have a special and memorable holiday season. After a while, I got stressed and overwhelmed by the whole process, and looked for ways to pare down.In the process of simplifying, I discovered that I could do many of these things, but to a lesser degree. Or, I could go all-out in some areas, and take shortcuts in others: I could do a simplified version of the holiday card, but still make the scrapbooks, or I could just give framed photos or email slideshows and put more attention into holiday cards. I could focus more energy on specific areas that were most important to my family that year. Letting go of my holiday overdoing was liberating!
If you find that your holidays get a little overloaded with holiday overdoing, here are some holiday shortcuts that you can use to create more time and relieve holiday stress.
Holiday Shortcuts:
Cyber Monday--Stress-Free Shopping!
I've always thought that Black Friday was both a blessing and a curse. Being the biggest shopping day of the year, those who can brave the insane crowds are rewarded with amazing deals--it seemed like an even trade for those who could handle the stress. But now, with Cyber Monday (that's today!), those who want to stay in the comfort of their own homes (or offices? I won't tell!) are also rewarded with amazing deals at Amazon and virtually all other online retailers; this is expected to be a huge shopping day for those who want to get their holiday shopping done early and enjoy the rest of the season. I've already gotten most of our gifts (I'm determined to enjoy the season in a relaxed manner this year!), but the remaining ones will probably be Cyber Monday finds.While you're online, you may want to pick up some gifts that are specially geared toward stress relief--while you're already gifting, why not give the gift of relaxation, right? Below are some of my best picks for stress-relieving gifts. I'll be publishing more lists of ideas, but for now, these should bring some inspiration! (Note: The first one on the list provides the top-rated gifts that polls say people are hoping for!)
Holiday Gift Ideas
Have a Happy and Low-Stress Thanksgiving!
With Thanksgiving upon us, many of us face new stressors mixed in with the fun. Are you dealing with a long, stressful trip? Difficult relatives once you get there? Or a stressful holiday meal to cook? Or are you feeling lonely and wish you did have these issues to deal with? The following are some resources for you.And, while you're celebrating, do think of the real reason for Thanksgiving--counting our blessings! Don't let the wonderful benefits of gratitude pass you by!
Elizabeth's Thanksgiving Stress Relief
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Clean Up--Without The Stress!
While cleaning does take time, it need not be a chore. I like to get the whole family involved by working together with my kids, and having a fun 'reward' that we can all enjoy when the work is done. Some people like to see how quickly they can rush through--quicker work means less time spent cleaning!--while others like to take a more leisurely pace, but make cleaning a more fun activity in itself--if it's not torturous work, why rush it? Whichever your approach, keeping a fun attitude, focusing on the positive results you're working toward, and trying to enjoy the moment as you clean, can all bring a less-stressed mood to the work at hand. And when you're done, you'll be left with a clean home--a sanctuary from stress!
Here are some resources you can use for low-stress cleaning in preparation for the holidays:
- How Cleaning Can Relieve Stress
- How Clutter Affects You
- Create A Sanctuary With An Organized Home
- Housekeeping Tips for Less Stress
- READERS, RESPOND: What Are Your Low-Stress Cleaning Strategies?
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Finish Your Chocolate--It's Good For You!
So I was really happy to see some promising new 'chocolate news' the other day: more evidence that chocolate cravings are perhaps not so bad after all! In fact, maybe I even crave chocolate when I'm stressed for a good reason--chocolate can help! Well, dark chocolate can help, anyway. If you're a chocolate fan like me, do yourself a favor and read more about the stress benefits of dark chocolate.
What are the 'vices' that become virtually irresistible when you're stressed? How do you think they may actually help you? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Additional Stress Resources From Elizabeth Scott:
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Holiday Stress Relief--Why It Pays To Start NOW
As you move through the stores and see all of the holiday decorations, no doubt you're used to the idea of 'getting ready for the holidays' by now. And, to many of us, it might seem just a tad ridiculous to prepare over a month ahead of time for holidays that are coming at the end of the year. Or it may seem like markers trying to make as much money as they can. And it might seem like overkill to get all of the preparations for all holidays for the rest of the year taken care of before Thanksgiving has even come and gone.But there's a reason to prepare now--a reason that can benefit you: you can really reduce stress this way. Perhaps even better: you can save money! (And saving money reduces stress even more, right? Now we're talking!)
The reason you can relieve stress is that schedules get crazy-busy in December, at least for most people. Doing extra shopping, sending out cards, planning and attending parties, even participating in traditions with kids--these are all things that can be quite a bit of fun at other times in the year, but during the holiday season, they far too often feel like chores! (Think about it: during the rest of the year, most people who have a party to attend might announce this is a happy voice with a spring in their step; during the month of December, people usually announce, 'I have to go to three parties this week!' in more of an exhausted whiney moan. That's what the stress of being too busy can do to otherwise fun events.)
If you start working on whittling down your To Do List now, before things get too insanely busy, things might never reach that point. You can enjoy the parties, savor the cooking, drink in the holiday lights and perhaps even sing a few carols like a sane person. And create happy memories that you're not too exhausted to remember.
And, as for saving money, you probably thought I was talking about saving on sales, didn't you? Well, you're right, but I'm also talking about other things. If you start planning now, you can try cheap Christmas gift ideas (or holiday gift ideas) like coordinating with family and friends to spend less money, buy only for the children, exchange thoughtful homemade gifts or meaningful cards, or take other money-saving routes. (This year in particular, most people would be very grateful for being 'let off the hook' on holiday overspending themselves!) You can also save on postage if you're not paying the 'rush shipping' charges, or can perhaps save on shipping altogether if you can hand-deliver gifts to those you might be seeing for Thanksgiving.
To help you get started, I've put together a free holiday stress relief e course--it'll take you through holiday cards (there IS a simpler way!), holiday meals, holiday gift-buying, and more.
Also, I recently talked with radio host Toni Schutta about holiday stress and ways to relieve it. Listen To The Interview Here
What are your best tips for managing, minimizing, or altogether avoiding holiday stress? Leave them in the comments section.
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Why You Might Not Be Too Busy To Crochet
You may have already guessed why I'm sharing this information with you, and if you guessed either of two answers, you'd be right:
- Crocheting, knitting, and other activities that keep your hands busy and your brain somewhat focused while you create nice things--these are great stress relievers! I've been crocheting while I talk to people, while I watch television, or whenever I have an idle moment (waiting in lines, when I'm on hold, etc.) and it just feels good. That's because crocheting (and these other things) can lead to a near-meditative state, which can be great for stress levels, especially around this time of the year, when stress levels are rising. This also counts as a gratification (and wearing a chenille scarf I crocheted myself can be a pleasure), so there are even more benefits.
- As you may realize, the holiday season is coming up, and handmade gifts are a thoughtful and inexpensive option. (See more ideas for cheap Christmas gifts and other holiday gift ideas for those on a budget.) My scarves have cost me about $2 to make, but they'll be cherished by my loved ones, and it feels good to be getting some of my holiday planning out of the way. (Sign up for my free holiday preparation e course to get started now, too, and have a less stressed holiday season.)
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Eat What You Want!
Benefits and Practice of Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is a simple and effective tool for eating less and enjoying your food more. Mindful eating can help you to lose weight and manage stress at the same time. Learn more about the benefits and practice of mindful eating.
Strategies for Mindful Eating
Mindful eating exercises can aid in weight loss as well as stress relief. Try these proven mindful eating exercises for a few days, and see what kind of difference you notice with your relation with--and enjoyment of--food.
Is Dark Chocolate An Effective Stress Reliever?
"I've heard that dark chocolate is better for you than milk chocolate, and can even bring some benefits. Is this true? What does research say on dark chocolate, and how can it be used for stress relief and health?" Read More
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