3 Simple Ideas to Reduce STRESS

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
                  Training Coordinator

Are you stressed? Do you worry about __________________ (fill in the blank)? Are you aware that the majority of what we worry about never comes to pass? How much of your time and energy do you spend worrying about things that never happen? That’s time and energy that could be used in more constructive and positive endeavors.

Here are three simple ideas to help you reduce your stress.

1.   Stop watching the news 24/7 – When was the last time you heard some good news while watching the evening/morning/24 hour news? Every great once in a while they’ll have some feel good story but as a general rule the old adage is very true, ‘if it bleeds, it leads’. A lot of the time when I tell people this, at first they look at me like I just suggested they kill someone, then they ask me, “How will I know what’s going on in the world if I don’t watch the news?” Believe me, I haven’t watched the news in over five years and I know what’s going on in the world. Do I know all the details of the latest madness? No. If I did would it make a difference in the world? No! So why should I stress and depress myself by hearing about and viewing the insanity of the world in which we live? Instead, watch something that will make you laugh. Find a favorite old sitcom that’s in syndication and watch back-to-back episodes.

2.   Laugh – Yes, laughter is a wonderful stress reliever. Laughing stimulates several of our major organs, it stimulates our circulation and aids in muscle relaxation. Those are the short term benefits and there are long term health benefits as well. There’s even legitimate medical research to back it all up. If you’re interested in reading the details about laughter as a stress reliever click here to go to the Mayo Clinic.

3.   Take Deep Breaths – While laughing for no apparent reason might cause people to look at you strangely, you can do deep breathing anywhere and it’s virtually unnoticeable. Breathing deeply tells your brain to calm down. Your brain then passes that message on to your body. In addition to deep breathing there are other breathing exercises that can benefit you and reduce your stress and increase your alertness. Click here to read the details about multiple breathing exercises.

These are just three things can help keep your stress level under control. There’s no cost associated with any of these stress relievers. The reality is there are a great many things you can do to reduce and control your stress level and most of them are free.

Here’s a bonus piece of information. Research has shown that the majority of what we worry about never happens. So stop spending your mental energy and time worrying about things over which you have no control. Put that time and energy to a more constructive activity.

Make Your Workday a Healthy One

By Suzy Kridner
Career Specialist
We all try to eat healthy ... well sometimes. Exercise regularly ... well sometimes. And in general take care of ourselves and keep stress under control.
The new year is a time when many of us are thinking about changing our bad habits.
Whether you’re employed but worried about keeping your job, or unemployed and hoping to find a job this year, here are some tips from web entrepreneur Justine Grey for a healthier workday.
Your workday may be job hunting, but it’s still good to treat it like work.
Taking a break for a few minutes is one of my favorite stress relievers. Grey says when you do take a break, consider stepping outside your home or office. And here we don’t have to contend with snow or freezing temperatures (except for a few days a year.)
A quick way to help settle anxiety and mental stress is mediatation, according to Grey. Find a quiet spot to sit in a chair or on the floor. Keep your spine straight and close your eyes. Then, focus on breathing in deeply, holding your breath for two seconds, and letting the breath out slowly. Repeat this deep breathing for five minutes. Deep breathing can help refocus and regroup the mind while squashing stresses of the day.
Locally, Mental Health America of East Central Florida is sponsoring new Live Your Life Well Support groups in Daytona Beach and DeLand. The groups are for those having difficulty or experiencing stress in their lives, or for those who would like to learn new skills to improve their lives. For information, call 386-252-5785.
Read more of Grey’s tips in her web article, “8 Ways to a Healthier Workday.”

STRESS Relief

Posted by:
Darlene Duncan, CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
Training Coordinator

We all know what helps us relax, whether it’s a walk on the beach watching the pelicans glide just above the waves, a stroll down a wooded path listening to the birds singing or sitting in your backyard watching the antics of a couple of squirrels. Knowing what helps you relax is only half the battle. You have to remember to take time for that relaxation. Stress relief should be one of your top priorities when it comes to your health.

Stress makes you susceptible to a variety of ailments and aggravates existing ailments. If you don’t believe me, Google the word stress and you will find a great deal of research has been done on the topic and how it affects your health.

Job searching is stressful, being unemployed is stressful, having financial problems…you get the idea. A new stressor is fast approaching, the holiday season. It creates its own special brand of stress.

So remember to schedule time for yourself. Time where all you do is breathe deeply and relax, clear your mind of all that’s going on in your life and just be. Stop and smell the roses, watch the birds, smell the salt air of the sea or whatever it is that helps you relieve stress.