Stress: We all have it, but what to do about it?
By Katherine Pasour
When you’re exhausted, glum, anxious or frustrated…Stress…We all have it, but what to do about it?
What do you do to ease tension or anxiety? Do you have some activities for therapy?
I’m not talking about a psychologist or therapist here, but activities that help us release stress in a healthy and appropriate manner.
Hmmm, when I put APPROPRIATE in the equation, that leaves out screaming, fighting, arguing with family, slamming doors, road rage, etc.
What are appropriate ways to handle difficult or stressful situations?
For me, my “go to” task that really acts as a stress reliever is yard work. Jerking unwanted weeds out of my flower bed is a good way to release frustration.
Spreading mulch in the flower garden takes a lot of time, physical commitment, and persistence. Physical labor, that brings results, can be an effective stress reliever. If you enjoy flowers, as I do, yard work is wonderful therapy!
But, you may not have a yard or don’t enjoy that activity. There are many alternative methods to constructively help you cope with stress.
Physical activity relieves stress
Exercise is a wonderful way to ease tension and help us think through problems. We cannot always resolve the issue through physical activity, but time away from the problem and physical exertion can help us better deal with difficult situations.
Jogging or walking at a brisk pace can ease frustration and clear our minds. Even a slow stroll is helpful. Especially when the weather is beautiful, just being outside is of great benefit. Remember to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated (water is GOOD for you!)
Yoga is another excellent activity that provides both physical and mental benefits. Finding a partner or friend to exercise with helps you encourage each other. On the other hand, your physical activity time may be your quiet time. Whatever works for you. Remember, strive for 30 to 60 minutes of activity daily!
Choose healthy options to cope with stress
There are an unlimited amount of activities or tasks that you can select to be your “go to” stress reliever. Whether you choose physical activity, reading, watching a movie, crafts, or sky diving–be careful not to choose an unhealthy option. Smoking, other drugs, alcohol, overeating, or bouts of anger are negative reactions to stress. Any action that can cause harm to you or others is not an acceptable response to stress.
Remember to pray!
Prayer and meditation may be our most important activity to help us stay balanced and healthy. When we combine healthy eating, a regular exercise program, and appropriate activities for enjoyment, we help keep ourselves physically and mentally healthy.
If you have some healthy and appropriate activities that help you through stressful times, please feel free to share in the comment section below.
This article provides a deeper dive into how stress affects our bodies and more suggestions for managing stress.
I often tell young people, “Just look at me; if you don’t handle your stress, it will handle you!” Heart attacks, high blood pressure, irritable, fat, grumpy LOL Truth is, stress can manifest itself in many ways and I can’t think of a single one that’s any good for us. When stress starts to rear its ugly head in me, I take a break and go outside for a walk. Oh, I’ll kick the gravel under my feet, slam shut the barn door, and can mumble under my breath with the best of them, but it’s best to do that when no one but God is around. Eventually, Bubba comes alongside and we’ll walk into the pasture and give one of the cows a rubbing or scratch their poll. Then, when my emotions have settled, I can respectfully talk with Abba about it. Great tips my friend; thank you!
Good for Bubba! I think our dogs (and other animals at times) sense our moods and know when we need them to be with us. We know they love us no matter what mood we’re in. Our God does, too! I think your strategies are good, my friend. I try to get outside in those situations, too. Walking, breathing fresh air, mumbling all help me get settled down, too. If I get too rowdy then I have more to confess to God before I can get to the respectful stage. Thank you, J.D., for sharing your humor and wisdom. You’re so good at sending smiles across the miles. Wishing you blessings, my friend.
Digging in the dirt, exercise, and stretching–few better stress relievers.
I’m with you, Katherine. We can take our frustrations out on those weeds instead of people. This accomplishes two goals in that we clean out a flower bed and clean out minds. Your purple petunias are gorgeous!
Barbara, I have so many weeds, I receive lots of good therapy from yard work. And the reward extends to lovely flowers, too so I’m doubly blessed. I confess the petunias are from a previous year, but I just love that picture. Blessings, my friend.
I agree, Diana–and smelling that fresh earth when planting–Mmm, that’s good therapy. Hope you have a joyful and sunshiny day.
I’m a much kinder Mary when I’ve been to the gym and taken a lengthy walk in the sun on a warm day. At times, I can feel the tension or anger leave me when I’m pushing against an opposite force on gym equipment. It doesn’t take much weed yanking to lift my spirits either!
I’m with you, Mary, exercise and yard work are my best therapies. Wishing you joy and blessings.
Great advice you offer to those of us who are so sedentary in our modern lifestyles. We didn’t have to tell most people to exercise a couple of generations ago. We advised them to rest.
We know so much more now, and you help us understand how to inject it into our lives.
Thanks and God bless, Katherine.
You are right, Nancy. When folks had an active lifestyle such as farming (I remember the days) we’d fall into bed exhausted and up early to do it all again the next day. But now, we must intentionally set aside time for exercise to receive the physical and mental benefits of being active. God designed us to move and the more we do so, the longer we’ll be able to do so. Thanks for your encouragement. May God bless you and your family.
Great advice, Katherine! Getting out for a good walk to see the mountains or hear the wind in the pines works for me, but I have to admit to adding in a little chocolate now and then!
Yes to chocolate, Kathy! I love being outside as much as I can. You’ve got mountains! I think mountains and the ocean grant us an extra dose of relaxation and blessing. Wishing you joy and sunshine!
Thank you Katherine. I haven’t been practicing appropriate stress relievers. Praying, reading, crafting and walking are my go to stress releiving activites which I have neglected. I’ll need to do better!
Lisa, sometimes life gets so BUSY we’re overwhelmed and distracted and we forget that we must take some time for ourselves to keep our balance. Your strategies sound great and I pray you can find some time to find peace, rest, and joy in those activities. Wishing you blessings in the upcoming week.
Walking outdoors, especially in the sunshine, is a great stress reliever for me! I also love to relax with a good book and find prayer extremely helpful!
I agree, LuAnn. Walking and working outdoors are great stress relievers for me, too. And I definitely love the opportunity to read a good book. And you’re right–prayer is helpful and works great when we pray FIRST. Wishing you a blessed week!