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Creating Balance > Decreasing Stress
By Merendi Leverett
November 18, 2010

Many people want to know how to decrease the amount of stress in their life! My only suggestion is quit your job and run to the hills! Yes, I know easier said then done!  But I can give you 5 easy steps you can implement throughout your week to help you manage the current stressors in your life.

1.    Take time out for yourself – Within today’s society we are often working long hours and spending most of our time pleasing others or doing things for others. Once a week or once a month take time out on your own or with a friend or partner to do something you enjoy. E.g. reading a book, a hot bath, a game of golf, lazy afternoon in the hammock reading the paper, a massage or beauty treatment (no waxing!) This timeout however long will help you recharge those batteries and any stress you thought was major, may now seem quite insignificant.

2.    Play Music – As the old saying goes “music soothes the savage beast”. Try ‘relaxation’ music if you want to truly relax. Or choose your favourite style or band and turn it up loud when cleaning the house or having a shower/bath. Maybe you are one of those ‘closet’ singers – let you hair down when no one is around. Music allows you to escape the daily grind and most times music you enjoy, makes you feel better and of course this assists in decreasing those stress levels. “Classical” music is great for stimulating the brain, whilst ‘relaxation’ music helps to decrease stress. If you want try having a ‘roster’ so that everyone in the office gets the chance to have their preferred music style heard. Alternatively in my office, one of my staff puts earphones on and listens to her CDs via her computer.

3.    Participate in Exercise &/or Physical Activity – yes the dreaded word! Everyone knows that exercise helps decrease stress by reducing cortisol (a stress hormone) and increase the good happy chemicals endorphins, which are responsible for making you feel happy. And when you feel happy and less stressed, you are more productive! So make sure you exercise at least 3 times a week. To encourage yourself to exercise wear a pedometer and see how many steps you can record each week and make a competition of it, and offer yourself a reward for reaching your goal. Or maybe join a sports team (if that is something that entices you). There are heaps of sporting competitions and local community fundraisers that involve exercise (fun runs, bike rides etc). Alternatively you could join us at Merendi Health & Wellness with many classes to choose from, we are sure to have something that suits you needs. start your own staff walking or exercise group before or after work.  You and your staff could have someone come to the workplace to conduct fitness classes or personal training. The ideas are endless. Encouraging your staff to take part in some form of exercise is also good for building team morale.

4.    Relaxation/Meditation – Yes very hippy like, but honestly it works. Whether it is attending a Yoga or Pilates class. After 1hr you feel so much more relaxed and or course the stress. Stretching helps relax your muscles and subsequently you. Why not try Meditation, some Yoga classes offer 15min meditation after the class or alternatively you may wish to attend a workshop that shows you many different ways to meditate. Meditation helps clear you mind and prepares you mentally to manage your stress.

5.    Have Fun! – This is the most important of all. To reduce stress, why not be social. Whether it is meeting friends at a local café, hosting a BBQ or picnic, or just taking the kids to the park or beach. It does not have to be too flash. Remember not to work too much, especially if you run your own business. This is often the reason a lot of people suffer from high stress, as they don’t spend enough time enjoying life, as they should!

Merendi Leverett
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
www.merendi.com.au/news

 
 
 
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