In case you haven’t heard (you know, because of all the stress in your life) — April is National Stress Awareness Month.
It’s wonderful to have family and friends supporting us, but often those people can be sources of stress themselves. Unexpected stresses like a loss of job, a loved one’s death, or health problems can negatively affect relationships and cause unwanted stress. If someone you love is going through a stressful period, it can be just as hard for you as you try to give them what they need while keeping yourself healthy and motivated.
Sometimes all it takes is to think outside the box!
Here are some tips to help you and your loved ones relieve stress:
1 – Recognize what you can change and what you can’t. If your partner is struggling with a sudden change, like a loss of job, they are having a hard time adjusting their lives accordingly. We can’t control many of the obstacles life throws at us, but we can change our attitudes towards these obstacles. Try not to let the stress of outside forces affect your feelings within.
2 – Spend time with yourself. Take time to experience something that brings you joy, be it hobbies,meditation, or simply spending time alone with your thoughts. Treat yourself to a massage or a nice meal. This will help you return to your loved one refreshed and strong enough for them to lean on.
3 – Remember that your words and actions affect your world, both outside and inside. One simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s day. When your partner is feeling down, you help them in every way you can, because you know that if the roles were reversed they would do the same. See the many ways your positive energy comes back to you.
4 – Change your routine. Sometimes the simple act of trying something new can be beneficial.Stress and anxiety can make people feel like they’ve lost all control over their circumstances. When you engage in a new activity, like traveling, sports, or even going to a new restaurant, it can help put things in perspective.
Take a moment and think of emotions like waves in the ocean… sometimes there are high tides where you feel as if you cannot see the open sky. Since you are already in the water, that means you know how to swim. Now what I recommend is for you to learn to ride the waves! Understand that emotions can sometimes escalate but more often than not, the ocean can be quite calm and serene. By learning to ride the waves, you take control and can swim easily and effortlessly.
To learn more about relieving stress and anxiety, you can attend our seminar on Overcoming Stress, Anxiety and Panic Attacks—Naturally.
Tune in to our next segment where I share more tips on relieving stress and anxiety.
To Your Health,
Liza
