Say Goodbye to Stress

Stressed?  Who is not?  The common problem of people the world over is stress.  Medical professions link stress to health problems.  If you want to live a long and happy life, keep stress out of your life.  Single moms have 1001 reasons to be stressed so here are some easy to do steps to free you from stress or at the very least minimize stress.

Breathing exercises
Stress causes your heartbeat and blood pressure to increase.  This is your body’s coping mechanism during sudden bursts of energy or when your mind keeps working because you worry.  When you breathe fast over a prolonged period of time, you can develop fast and irregular heartbeats.  Simple breathing exercises can reverse this.  Sit back in a comfortable chair and focus on breathing slowly and deeply. Do this for at least 10 minutes and you will feel your heartbeat slow down. You will feel calmer and more relaxed.

Let out a sigh
Did you know that letting out a sigh relieves stress? Though commonly thought as an expression of someone under stress, a sigh actually frees that person from stress. I don’t really know the logic but I guess letting out a sigh transfers the stress to the next person (just joking).  Actually, this could be related to breathing out the stress.

Count your blessings
We all have problems.  Problems will always be with us as we continue to live in this world. Problems do not cause stress. Stress is dependent on how we handle and respond to problems.  The best way to handle problems is to counter it by counting our blessings.

Take a walk
When you can’t afford  but keep worrying, take a walk.  Focus on your surroundings as you walk.  Look at the flowers, the grass, the children playing in the park, the trees, birds, the clouds.  After a 15 to 30 minute walk you will be relieved of your stress and you’ve had a much needed exercise.  Exercise takes stress away too.

Read a good book
An inspirational book is best.  If you don’t have the luxury of time, take hold of an audio book which you can listen to while driving or doing household chores.  Heart-warming stories and triumphs will not only release your stress but will motivate you as well.

Watch a movie
Reward yourself.  Watch a good movie. Don’t watch suspense, sad or horror movies.  If you are not a movie buff, then spend some leisure time in what you love to do.  I know people whose stress is relieved by playing golf, painting, writing, etc.

Listen to music
Human beings are music lovers.  Whatever your genre is, enjoy it. However, I highly recommend soft slow music. Try instrumental and Christian music too. Studies reveal that music calms a person and creates a positive disposition.

Call a friend
If you feel you need to talk to someone, call your friend.  Socialize to free your mind from your worries or you can tell a confidante of issues that stress you.

Single mom, relieve yourself from stress and take control of your life.