We are all looking for ways to cope with our personal stress, which seems to be in abundance today with all the changes in our economy and the problems that have been created because of it. I found this article in my archived stuff and realized that it is just as powerful today as it was when it was written several years ago.
I especially like the communication part. I find it hard to communicate my thoughts and feelings in the same sitting when feeling pressure in the workplace or even in my relationships. It is a good reminder to follow the golden rule - "treat others as you would like to be treated".
Eight Tips to Create Less Stress
By Susan Smith Jones
Take time to nourish your body and soul with a balanced diet of wholesome natural foods. Choose from a wide variety of colorful foods as close to the way nature made them as possible. Vary your diet daily and strive for at least 50% fresh, raw foods. Living foods increase energy, restore youthful vitality, and promote radiant health.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Lack of moisture in faces creates wrinkles the way lack of moisture in plums creates prunes. Drinking ample water is necessary to lubricate your joints, feed your cells, and keep your skin—that constantly loses moisture to the environment—clear, soft, and youthful. Pure water fosters vitality
Eat only as much as needed and not much after nightfall—within 2 to 3 hours before sleep. Grazing on smaller meals more frequently throughout the day—every 3 hours—stokes metabolism, stabilizes blood sugar, and helps reduce cholesterol and unhealthy habits of overeating. It’s prudent to plan meals so you won’t get famished.
Exercise regularly and find a balance of strengthening, stretching, and aerobic activities. Make your program a top priority in your life, a non-negotiable activity, and stay committed to it! There is nothing that will benefit you more in terms of being happy, disease-free, vibrantly youthful, and energetic than a regular fitness program. Whenever possible, exercise outdoors in a natural, beautiful environment.
Sleep well—at least 7-8 hours nightly. Consistent lack of sleep leads to many health problems, including wrinkles, depression, weight gain and aging, low or no libido, toxic buildup, irritability and impatience, memory loss, lethargy, relationship problems, and accidents. Refrain from watching bedtime TV news. Make your bedroom an exquisite, peaceful sanctuary. Put 3 drops of lavender oil on your nighttime pillow. Sweet dreams!
Communicate both your thoughts and your feelings clearly with your co-workers, friends, and loved ones. Remember that we all desire the same thing—respect, kindness, appreciation, validation, and love. Keep the golden rule your default position in life and treat others the way you like to be treated. Silently bless everyone in your life each day.
Lift your attitude UP and see the best in everyone and everything. If you are facing a challenge, handle it with vigor and poise and, at the same time, find opportunities to laugh and smile often. Both of these healthful activities firm your facial muscles and reduce stress. Laughter is life’s elixir and our soul’s smile. Cultivate a joyful attitude of gratitude. Attitude is the mind’s paintbrush; it can color anything.
