4 Strategies for Stress Relief

Much as I like an occasional donut, I know it’s not the answer to relieving stress! (But I love the taste of a chocolate donut in my mouth, I must confess.)

A while ago I wrote a little list of Tips for Moms, calling it: When You Feel Like Screaming! With a little editing, I wrote it for all of us in our various seasons of life. 

Practice these 4 Strategies and you’ll Stress Less:

1. Get Organized

• Think through your day the night before
• Anticipate potential problems
• Plan how to deal with them

Getting my office organized has been a major task this past week—I’m not there yet but it already looks so much better.  My goal? To find what I am looking for!

What about you?  Where do you need to get organized? What is your compelling reason for wanting to tackle this? List the steps and set a time to begin!

2. Be Flexible

• Give others advanced warning about your wishes and plans
• Be sensitive to their schedules and other factors that can create conflict
• Be willing to change your to-do list when needed

Irritation and conflicts (major and minor) come when we assume people know what we expect or want from them.  Let them know what you’re thinking or wanting and find ways to compromise so both of you find your wishes and needs met. (For further help, see the Chapters on Communication and Conflict in my book, Why Can’t He be More Like Me?)

3. Maintain A Sense of Humor

• Remember kids and grown ups respond more positively to humor than frowns or sarcasm.  Are there warm responses you can practice before stepping into a stressful situation?
• Smile as much as you can when interacting with others—practice if necessary!
• Look for times to have fun and laugh, it is good for us on many levels!

Simply choosing to read or watch something funny is a well-known stress reliever. What has been the funniest movie you’ve ever watched?  See if you can watch it again.  What about funny videos of kids, or pets, or whatever makes you laugh? Ask your friends for recommendations. Intentionally relax and make time to destress—you’ll live longer according to some studies!

4. Keep Balance in Your Life

• Carve out time for yourself
• Learn how to say “NO” to others
• See your life in stages.  Things do change!

Stress frequently comes when we try to fit in too much. We all have different energy levels and different capacities for juggling tasks and requests for our help.

Strategies for keeping balance involve knowing ourselves and knowing how to manage our lives so they are fulfilling and fruitful.  We are called to follow Christ, but the path He has for each of us differs. Ask Him to show you what actions you need to take to enjoy the one life you have. Is it something you need to do, or something you need to cut out or cut back on? 

Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. 

Want to talk through some areas of stress in your life?  Contact me for a free 20-minute chat and lets see how you can destress your life.
 
Blessings,
Poppy
Coaching Women to Grow in Christ