Stress less

I recently read an article that listed "9 Surprising Symptoms of Stress." It was from a writer at Woman’s Day and included stuff like tweaked muscles, eye twitching, ragged cuticles, cavities and rashes. Nice, huh? Stress can really turn a person inside out so I started thinking of ways to fight back. Here’s my short list. So stop banging your head against the wall long enough to read it, it might just help a little:

Listen to the Music – I have a rule, if I listen to Kajagoogoo’s Too Shy and am still super-stressed then it’s intervention time. Music can be soothing, uplifting or exciting. Try spinning some tunes that put you in a good mood before or after a tough day and you just might turn that frown upside down.

Laugh it off – Read or watch something funny, share goofy knock-knock jokes with a kid or sing at the top of your lungs while you drive through town. Who can stay frazzled when they’re being silly?

Beat it – Take out your aggressions by beating egg whites into meringue peaks with just a whisk or ripping up some veggies and lettuce. Whip up something you enjoy cooking and forget your worries for a while.

Get Physical – Exercise can help take your mind off of or help you work through stress. Plus, you get the benefit of good for you activity and endorphins.

Phone a Friend – Call a family member or friend and discuss problems. If you aren’t ready to talk, then let them update you. You might find that listening to another person’s ups and downs helps get your mind off your own.

Escape – Sometimes we get too close to things and feel overwhelmed. You may do well to take a break or plan a trip. Setting things aside even temporarily can help you gain the perspective needed to tackle a big problem.

Write a letter – Write about your feelings in a journal or electronic document. Let it rip and get it out of your system. Just make sure you don’t send anything until you’ve had a chance to cool off and read what you wrote.

Last resort? Let out a long and loud barbaric Yawp – YAAAAWWWWP!

SYOAS – See you online again soon!