Posts Tagged ‘anxiety’
3 Tips for Controlling Anxiety and Reducing Stress Naturally
What do you do to relieve stress and anxiety in your life? If you’re like most people, an aspirin in the morning and a couple of stiff drinks after work is sufficient. Or is it? Certainly, there are better ways to reduce stress and anxiety naturally. In this discussion, we’re going to take a look at some fun ways to reduce stress, anxiety and negative thoughts. Introduce the following 3 tips for controlling anxiety and reducing stress naturally into your weekly schedule and see if you notice a difference in the way you feel and react to stressful situations.
1) Get Moving – No, I don’t mean packing up the furniture, the kids and the dog and moving across town. One of the best ways of reducing stress and anxiety is exercise. Plain and simple! The trick is finding something you enjoy and sticking with it. It has to be fun. Let’s face it, it you don’t enjoy what you’re doing you probably won’t be doing it for very long. And doing something you hate has the opposite effect of what you’re trying to accomplish…it’s stressful! Now, there’s two ways of getting started. You can join a gym or you can simply exercise at home. Personally, I like exercising at home. When you do the gym thing, you have to consider traveling time ( unless you live next door. ) If you’re a busy person with very little free time, going to and from the gym can give you even less free time which is… well, stressful. You start feeling rushed and that is definitely not conducive to serenity. And serenity is what we’re after.
So, if you’ve decided on doing your exercise at home, the next question is: What kind of exercise? Once again, it has to be something you enjoy. I firmly believe you should do several different activities. To give you an example, every Saturday ( my day off ) I take a long bike ride. I look forward to it all week. Cycling is my favorite form of exercise but it’s only one day a week and that’s not enough. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I exercise right in my living room while I’m watching TV. I drag out the treadmill and do 45 minutes. I also have a set of dumbbells which I use on occasion, usually a couple of times a week. Getting any ideas? Of course you can do things your way. The point is: Get moving!
One more thing I want to cover before we move on: Dancing. Music is known far and wide as a great stress reducer. When you combine that with the discharge of energy that is provided by dancing, you have not only a great stress reducer but a mood elevator as well. You can do it right in your living room or even your bedroom. It doesn’t matter if you’re a good dancer or not. Dance your way to a more positive, uplifting, less stressful frame of mind. It’s hard to think negative thoughts when you’re dancing.
2) Get Creative – Everyone needs a hobby. What’s yours? OK, I’ll tell you mine: Gardening. For me there is nothing quite as edifying as working in the soil…digging, hoeing, planting…watering. The only thing better is the harvesting! In the winter when I can’t garden, I read books and magazines dedicated to gardening and farming. It keeps my interest heightened and intensifies my anticipation of the coming season. What interests you? What keeps your mind occupied and makes you happy? How about woodworking, painting, cooking, scrapbooking or writing? Perhaps you are interested in something that requires a little less creativity like stamp collecting or just reading novels. The best diversions are those that require full concentration. I find writing to be a very effective tool in that respect. Writing requires great concentration which leaves little time for negative thoughts. Unless, of course, you’re writing about famines and wars which is something I definitely avoid. I think you get the idea here. You need to find something you enjoy doing that will occupy your mind. Then you will be able to replace negative thoughts with positive ones and the world will be a much nicer and brighter place to be.
3) Get Away – Sometimes there is only one way to deal with stress and anxiety: Get out of the line of fire. Pack up the family and hit the road. The possibilities are endless: Visit the mountains or the beach, go to a theme park, spend a day at the zoo or an afternoon at a quiet park. Broaden your horizons by eating at a new restaurant or coffee shop, or immerse yourself in culture by visiting museums and art galleries. Not the cultural type? Check out a sporting event or go to a fair. Spend an undisturbed weekend at a serene country inn ( that’s a great place for you and your better half!) or just have a picnic at a nice, quiet, secluded spot. Getting any ideas?
But if you absolutely, positively can’t get away, all hope is not lost. You can have that same picnic in your backyard. Or even a barbeque. Better yet, spend a cozy night indoors with your lover. Plan a special dinner complete with candles and soft music. Now, I know you’re getting some ideas!
I hope you have enjoyed these tips for controlling anxiety. As you can see, reducing stress naturally can be fun. But don’t sit around thinking about it – do it! You will enjoy better mental and physical health, an enhanced quality of life and a more positive outlook and appreciation of the world around you.
On the Next Page You Will Learn about a Powerful Secret That Can Help You to Curb Stress, Ease Anxiety and Reduce Negative Thoughts. Stress is the Silent Killer – Don’t Let it Put You in the Hospital…or Worse!
13 Foods That Reduce Stress and Help Stop Anxiety Attacks
Many people fail to realize how important a role the proper nutrition plays in the reduction of stress and anxiety.
Anyone looking to reduce stress and anxiety in their life would be well advised to be watchful of the foods they
consume. The old adage “You are what you eat” is especially apropos in this present age. In this sometimes frenzied
and furious world in which we live, observing certain dietary principles can be particularly challenging. Still, a
little effort goes a long way and only a few changes in the diet can reap great rewards. Having said that, let’s
examine 13 foods that reduce stress and help stop anxiety attacks.
Fish – Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids which protect the heart from heart diseases precipitated by stress. Omega-3 fatty acids also appear to inhibit the release of the stress hormone cortisol.
Blueberries- In addition to being a superfood, blueberries are a rich source of vitamin C which is known to be effective in reducing stress levels. Blueberries contain a high amount of fiber which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Research has shown that blood sugar fluctuations are a major contributor to stress.
Oats- Oats are one of the top foods that reduce stress. They are a great source of magnesium, thiamine and fiber.
This trio works together to relieve stress and help stop anxiety attacks.
Sweet Potatoes- A person under stress craves sugar and carbohydrates. Sweet potatoes are a healthy substitute and
can help to satisfy that craving. And the fiber they contain helps your body process the carbs in a slow, steady
manner.
Dried Apricots- Rich in magnesium, dried apricots are a great stress-buster. Apricots are high in vitamin C and
fiber. Additionally, magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant and helps reduce heart palpitations as well.
Broccoli- Chock-full of B vitamins which are known to relieve stress, broccoli also contains folic acid which reduces stress, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.
Almonds- Almonds contain vitamins B2 ( riboflavin ) and E, magnesium, and zinc – all great stress reducers.
Beans- Black beans and kidney beans are excellent vegetable sources of thiamine, which is helpful in overcoming the short-lived depression that often accompanies high levels of stress.
Low Fat or Skim Milk- Milk contains the amino acid tryptophan – known to have a calming effect. Milk is also a good source of calcium and B vitamins which protect nerve health. Another benefit is protein which helps stabilize blood sugar.
Yogurt- Neutralizes the acidity of peptic ulcers which is aggravated by stress. Additionally, yogurt contains calcium which is essential for proper nerve impulses. Add blueberries for double stress protection.
Tomatoes- Tomatoes are a rich source of Vitamin A which is important to a healthy immune system. A dysfunctional
immune system can result in impaired nerve function.
Cayenne Pepper- Pepper contains capsicum, which helps to maintain a healthy heart and ease the anxiety that
is often the result of prolonged stress. Don’t worry about taking it straight – sprinkle it in soups, stews or on meats before broiling.
Chocolate- Admit it…you’re glad this one made the list! Chocolate is the ultimate comfort food. Enough said!
Adding these foods to your diet can make a significant difference not only in the way you feel but in the way you handle stressful episodes. As an added benefit, the aforementioned foods can be a great help in restoring sleep quality which, in turn, can help stop anxiety attacks.
On the Next Page You Will Learn about a Powerful Secret That Can Help You to Reduce Stress, Ease Anxiety and Curb Negative Thoughts. Stress is the Silent Killer – Don’t Let it Put You in the Hospital …or Worse!
7 Tips to Reduce Stress Levels and Manage Anxiety
Stressful events are a part of life. We wrestle with stress in our workplace, in our relationships, through financial difficulties, job losses and deaths. And the list goes on. Reducing stress levels is simply a matter of finding a way of coping with the stressors we are sure to encounter in our day-to-day schedules. That is, of course, easier said than done.
Developing essential skills like the following 7 stress management techniques is vitally important if we are to effectively reduce stress, manage anxiety and alleviate depression in our lives. These approaches to stress mitigation are uncomplicated and easily implemented. If accomplished, you will have taken the first critical step to developing a quieter, more tranquil state of mind. And that is a very good place to be.
1) Discover the Cause – It is difficult to effectively deal with any illness in which the cause is unknown. The root cause must be ascertained. It is widely believed that chemical imbalances in the brain are to blame for our uncontrolled reactions to stressful episodes. There is evidence to suggest that this may be one of the causes of clinical depression. However, stress is a horse of a different color. By definition, stress is any force that is exerted on the mind or body. Simply stated, stress is the product of harmful mental habits and behaviors. In most cases, these habits and behaviors are developed over a course of many years, sometimes as early as childhood. Therefore, stress, unlike depression, can be un-learned.
2) Discover How Stress Works – In order for stress to be controlled, we have to know how it works. In other words, how it affects you. As we learned in the aforementioned technique, stress is a product of mental habits and behaviors. These behaviors are a consequence of flawed modes of thinking and they keep sufferers trapped in a never-ending circle of injurious thought patterns. In addition to the resulting mental strain, physical ailments may also surface. There is, however, some good news: When we begin to understand the effects of stress and anxiety and focus on the causes rather than the symptoms, we will be able to initiate more rational responses to the stressors we contend with and, consequently, attain a heightened feeling of well-being and relaxation.
3) Acquire Life Skills – Some people seem to remain calm and stress-free no matter what the situation. They somehow possess the ability to face the most trying events with vigor and verve. What’s their secret? They have simply learned effective stress management skills. They have discovered how to keep the proper perspective at all times. This is a key point. Focus on the aspects of your life that you can control and influence instead of focusing on things you cannot control. Learn that and your next stressful episode will be much easier to manage.
4) Learn to Say No – Putting too much on your plate is a recipe for stress disaster. When your stress fires are burning the last thing you need is a bucket of gasoline. Learn to place yourself first. Over-extending yourself will only serve to exacerbate your stress levels, especially if you’re already undergoing a traumatic circumstance. When a rubber band is stretched to capacity, it snaps. Don’t let that be you.
5) Cultivate a Positive Attitude – ‘Looking on the bright side’ can expunge negative thought patterns and replace them with positive, calming influences. Your attitude, demeanor and perspective will dramatically improve as will your general outlook on life. Adopting the right point of view is key to enjoying better relationships, enhanced job satisfaction and a happier home-life.
6) Make Time for Yourself – This is the part where you shut the door, close the curtains, turn off the phone and have a wonderful evening with yourself. Put on some soothing music, light a candle or two and enjoy your favorite comfort food. Resist the urge to turn on the TV. Instead, spend some time with a good book. End the evening with a nice, hot bath. Imagine yourself basking in the sun on a warm tropical beach. By the time you get to bed your body and mind will be in a total state of relaxation…allowing for a restful night of perfect slumber.
7) Let it Go – If there is only one thing you take away from this article, let it be this: Don’t live in the past. Don’t rake over and relive sad and unpleasant experiences. This is one of the most injurious symptoms of stress and anxiety. Until you learn this, you will never truly cross the border into that placid, untroubled, stress-free place we all desire.
The health implications of prolonged stress are serious and far-reaching. It is estimated that 80% of all diseases are caused by chronic stress, either directly or indirectly. That should be reason enough to make stress management a priority in your life. Wouldn’t you agree?
On the Next Page You Will Learn about a Powerful Secret That Can Help You to Curb Stress, Manage Anxiety and Reduce Negative Thoughts. Highly Recommended!
PEACEFUL AND QUALITY SLEEP: Tao Song for Peaceful and Quality Sleep
Experience the power of Soul to heal your soul, mind and body with Dr. and Master Sha: http://drsha.com/
You have the power to heal yourself, together we have the power to heal the world! ~ Dr. and Master Sha
Dr. and Master Zhi Gang Sha is a soul leader, an extraordinary healer, and a divine servant. Trained as an MD in China and a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine in China and Canada, he created Power Healing and Soul Mind Body Medicine to combine the essence of Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine with ancient energy and spiritual healing secrets from China.
I consider Master Sha’s healing path to be a universal spiritual practice, The founder of the Institute of Soul Healing and Enlightenment, Dr. Sha is a grandmaster of many ancient disciplines, including tai chi, qi gong, feng shui, and the I Ching. He was named Qigong Master of the Year at the Fifth World Congress on Qigong. An inspired guide in his Soul Power Series of best-selling books, TV programs, and other teachings and services, Dr. Sha says, “Heal and transform the soul first; then healing and transformation of every aspect of life will follow”. In 2006, Dr. Sha was granted the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission Award for his humanitarian efforts.
a journey into genuine transformation.
~ Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith
Founder, Agape International Spiritual Center
Duration : 0:3:27
6. Divine Transformation Series, Boost Energy, Stamina, Vitality and Immunity
Experience the power of Soul to heal your soul, mind and body with Dr. and Master Sha: http://drsha.com/
You have the power to heal yourself, together we have the power to heal the world! ~ Dr. and Master Sha
Dr. and Master Zhi Gang Sha is a soul leader, an extraordinary healer, and a divine servant. Trained as an MD in China and a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine in China and Canada, he created Power Healing and Soul Mind Body Medicine to combine the essence of Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine with ancient energy and spiritual healing secrets from China.
The founder of the Institute of Soul Healing and Enlightenment, Dr. Sha is a grandmaster of many ancient disciplines, including tai chi, qi gong, feng shui, and the I Ching. He was named Qigong Master of the Year at the Fifth World Congress on Qigong. An inspired guide in his Soul Power Series of best-selling books, TV programs, and other teachings and services, Dr. Sha says, “Heal and transform the soul first; then healing and transformation of every aspect of life will follow”. In 2006, Dr. Sha was granted the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission Award for his humanitarian efforts.
I consider Master Sha’s healing path to be a universal spiritual practice, a journey into genuine transformation.
~ Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith
Founder, Agape International Spiritual Center
Duration : 0:9:7
