Let's Enjoy and Have Some Fun! It is, after all, Memorial Day Weekend

Identify and Avoid.

The easiest way to beat the stressful blues is avoid them all together. Identify what or who triggers your stress and avoid the situations you can control. If a certain intersection makes your heart beat faster, take a different route home from work. If a coworker or friend is constantly negative, limit your interactions. You might not be able to control his or her attitude, but you can control how it affects you.

Simplify Your To-Do List. Making a list can help you be more productive, but an extra-long list can easily induce stress. Start each day by jotting down a handful of achievable goals. Beyond that, look at the bigger picture; learn to say no and eliminate activities that aren’t completely necessary. Personal hobbies are great stress relievers, but if your schedule is tight, choose the soccer game or the book club—not both.

Nourish Yourself. Poor health makes you less equipped to deal with stress. Increase your health levels by eating mindfully and maintaining a healthy diet. Focus on well-balanced, nutritious meals and avoid excess caffeine and sugar. Instead of snacking in the car or at your desk, carve out time each day to enjoy your meals so you will feel satisfied, thankful, and adequately recharged.

Move Your Body. Reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, and increase endorphins by moving your body regularly. Experts recommend carving out at least thirty minutes three times per week for aerobic activity, whether it’s walking, running, dancing, or cycling. To reduce muscle tension, invest in the occasional massage, stretch daily, and practice yoga.

Clear Your Mind. Calm frantic thoughts by clearing your mind. If you need to make a quick mental escape from a stressful situation, try conscious breathing or visualization. Acupuncture can help your body and mind relax while treating the physical effects of stress. Incorporate meditation into your evening routine to wind down from a busy day and prepare your body for restful sleep.

Positive Self-Talk. We are our own worst critics—but we can also be our best cheerleaders. Instead of doubting or feeling disappointed in yourself, focus on what you did well. Turn “I should have worked out harder” into “I’m so proud of myself for making it to the gym today!”

Journal. Journaling is a therapeutic way to work out stresses and fears. Make brief notes about how you handle stressful situations so you have a plan for the next encounter. You may also choose to focus on the positive and spend more time journaling about or acknowledging what you are thankful for. If you need some inspiration, pick up Barbara Ann Kipfer’s 14,000 Things to Be Happy About: The Happy Book.

Transfer Energy. When you feel stressed, it can be easy to have tunnel vision and think about how you are being affected. If you feel yourself spiraling, step back and shift the focus. Light some candles, take a few deep breaths, and focus your thoughts on positive things. Remember, the weight of the world is not balanced on your shoulders alone.

Written by Maresa Giovannini

Noemi Cardoso
RE/MAX Welcome Home
Serving Westport, Dartmouth, Fall River, MA Little Compton, Tiverton, RI and surrounding towns. www.DistinctiveHomes-NE.com.