FitSugar

Stressed Out? Avoid the Manic Mondays

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Recently, I told you all that I like to clean my desk every Friday before I head home. It gives me peace of mind, so I can start my weekend with a clean slate. Here's another thing I like to do before leaving the office - I make a list of the 5 most important things I need to get done by the end of the day Monday. This way all the details of next week are on a piece of paper (or in my BlackBerry) so they don't need to be roaming around my head distracting me from my weekend. This way my thoughts are free to run rampant in a weekend, space-out kind of way.

Try it...it really helps.

Stressed Out? Get Perspective

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 16:30:00 -0800

Stress. It is a horrible feeling. The adrenaline pumping through your veins with no outlet. The gnawing in the pit of your stomach. Right now I am stressed about Christmas. The holiday of love and sharing and all I can think about is how MUCH I have to do, and how little time I have to do it.

Lately though, I have been trying to change my perspective. I might not be able to change my situation - no time to shop for the perfect gift for my "hard to buy for" husband, where to find the freaking SkyDancer doll without going to a WalMart, or when I am going to make those Christmas cut out cookies with my girls. But then I remember that I can change my perspective. I hear tales of fathers disappearing into the snow. Newly diagnosed diseases of friend's loved ones weeks before the holidays. Layoffs. Budget cuts. I hear these things and I know I am sweating the small stuff. And wasting a lot of time stressing. I am truly blessed to have the troubles I have and THAT makes them smaller.

Stressed Out? Jaw massage

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 14:45:00 -0800

When you're stressed out do you clench your jaw? If you answered yes you are not alone, because at least there are two of us. It's an unconscious habit and when I am stressed it can get bad. Even a little painful. Here's what I do in those moments and you should try it too.

Make fists with both of your hands and put your knuckles just under your cheek bones. Move your knuckles up and down, then side to side. Try different places between your cheek bone and your jaw bone. Chances are, you will find little pockets of tightness just waiting to be massaged.

Then allow your jaw to drop and take a nice BIG yawn - this gives the area a bit of a stretch and will get some much needed oxygen to your brain.

Fit's Tip: The jaw joint was made to move up and down, not side to side. So it isn't a great idea to move your chin from side to side.

Stressed out? DON'T SMOKE

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 19:10:45 -0800

If the first thing you reach for when you're stressed is a cigarette, I am here to say don't smoke. Now if you smoke but have been toying with the idea of quitting, first I'll say "HOORAY!!!" Then I'll say "Don't wait." Now is the time to plan your "quit day." Why not make it tomorrow since November 16th is The Great American Smokeout sponsored by they American Cancer Society?

They have a kick ass web site full of tips for quitting and amazing resources, like the Quitline - a hot line for telephone support through the stressful times. The number is 1-800-ACS-2345.

So hopefully knowing that folks from California to the New York islands are trying to kick the habit too, will give you some moral support. It is easier to know that you are not alone.

Stressed Out? Get Out

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 14:30:00 -0800

When I am feeling overwhelmed and anxious, I find that it is best to get away from what is causing the stress. I like to get out. It seems simple. It seems like common sense but it can be really challenging to do. Next time you are feeling stressed, I urge you to walk away from your computer and head outside. Or to the lobby of the office building. Or at least to the bathroom. Just walk away from it all for a little bit. Clear your mind and come back to those darn issues with a new attitude.

If you can get outside, talk a walk around the block. Focus on your breath to help calm your mind. A little fresh air always helps the body and the mind.

Stressed out? List it!

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 14:30:00 -0800

If you're stressed out by all of the details of your task list swirling around in your head - why not write it down and make a list.

I am a firm believer in lists. If all that you have to do is just in your head, it can get stuck there. And since the weekend is finally here, you definitely don’t want to be fretting about what needs to get done by Monday on your two precious days off.

Avoid the mania of Monday by writing a list of the 5 most important things you have to have done by 5pm on Monday. This way the details of next week won’t haunt your weekend.

Stressed out: Just Breathe!

FitSugar — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 14:30:00 -0800

Breathing exercises are a great way to help alleviate stress. There is a reason for the common term that is used to calm someone down, "Take a deep breath."

For a great breathing exercise you can do anywhere, read more

Inhale deeply through your nose to fill your lungs, puffing out your chest (pushing in your stomach). Hold it for 5 seconds. Then exhale deeply out your mouth, using your stomach to push the air out of your lungs (puffing out your stomach). Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat for a minute or so.

Fit's Tip: To really see your chest and stomach working, lie on the floor.

Stressed out? Change your Perspective

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 15:25:00 -0800

Having a bad day? Feel like your head is where your feet should be? When your head feels like it's about to explode, it's a good idea to change your perspective - literally.

Stand up and push your chair out of the way. With your knees bent, fold yourself in two at your waist. Relax your arms and let them dangle by your head. Feel the stress drain out of your head. Gently shake your head (as if saying no), then nod it (as if saying yes) - it's always good to end on a positive note.

Keeping your knees bent, return to standing. Move slowly so you don't get light headed and put your hand on your desk if you do.

If you don't feel like sticking your booty up in the air, just bend in half sitting down, putting your chest on your thighs and relax your head down.

Source

When you're stressed out, who do you turn to?

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 08:00:00 -0800

Talking is good for the soul. Fit Sugar wants to know who do you turn to when you're stressed out?

Stressed Out? It's Alright to Cry

FitSugar — Wed, 16 May 2007 15:45:00 -0700

I feel better after a good cry, do you? It is said that humans are the only animals that shed emotional tears. Crocodile tears just don’t really count now, do they?

Although still as yet unproven, scientists believe crying is an important stress release for a couple of reasons. One is that weeping, aka emotional crying, is probably a necessary biological action, since no human behavior has ever continuously evolved unless it somehow contributed to survival. Another is that tears might be a means of releasing toxins from the body, similar to sweating. Perhaps that is why so many folks feel better after a good cry. Not only is it emotionally liberating, it might just alter body chemistry a bit. In fact, emotional tears have a different chemical composition than tears caused by irritants, such as onions.

So if you feel stressed out and on the verge of tears, you should let them out. Find a place where you feel safe, and release the floodgates. It's alright to cry. Do you remember that song from the Free to Be You and Me soundtrack? Want to see the video of football great Rosey Grier singing it? Then read more

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