Coping with Stress

Coping with stress takes time and patience but it should be a priority for those who frequently feel tense, irritable, frazzled, overwhemled, tired and fatigued. This is because the long term effects of stress can be destructive to the body.

Chronic stress can lead to ...

• Poor eating habits
• Weight gain
• Loss of sleep
• Dull skin
• Depression
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease

Relaxation and stress management are crucial to a healthy lifestyle. Find time each day to reflect on the good things in life because your mind awareness and mental health have so much to do with your physical health.

Coping with Stress

Try some of these simple tips for coping with stress ...

1. Keep the "Weekend" From Becoming a "Workend"

• Make one day of each weekend errand free and spend that day doing as many pleasurable activities you can think of.


• Studies show that people feel better about themselves, have more energy and a better attitude on the weekend since they have more control over their schedule and can enjoy spending time with family and friends.

2. Take Time to Stop and Smell the Roses

• Find the spiritual side of nature.


• On a dark clear night, take a moment to look up at the sky and take notice of the stars, the moon, the darkness of the nighttime sky and all of its beauty.

3. Appreciate Those Around You

• Spend more time with your friends and family, especially your pets. This helps to put things into perspective. Imagine what life is like for your darling dog or cat and be appreciative of the unconditional love they smother you with every day.


• Scientists have discovered that your pets offer a simple solution to coping with stress.

• According to a report in the journal Hormones and Behavior, just by looking into your pet’s eyes can result in a 20 percent jump in oxytocin, a hormone that leaves you feeling happier and more relaxed.

• Another study at the University of Buffalo in New York showed that petting your dog or cat is both calming and invigorating. Research shows that a few minutes with your pet can lead to a 38 percent increase in the energizing neurotransmitter serotonin.

4. Listen to Music

• Listen to music that motivates you to think of the world and your unique place in it. Play music that makes you feel good.


• Select an upbeat sound track to keep yourself calm and to give deeper meaning to everything you do.


• Trade your alarm clock in for a clock radio and wake up to soft music. Starting your day with music is much less stressful than waking up to a loud beeping alarm clock which can raise your blood pressure and put you on edge for the rest of the day.

Start your day with a mantra....

• A mantra is a word or phase used to elevate the mind above any negative or intrusive thoughts, almost like a mini pep talk. 

• In Sanskrit, mantra means "to cross the mind”. Scientific studies suggests that mantras can actually help you stay focused on your goals and even lower stress.

    Sample Mantras

“I am strong”

“I am healthy”

"I can handle this"

"I believe in myself"

"I love myself"

"This is easy"

• Keep your mantra short and simple. Hopefully your parents read you the book about the Little Blue Engine that eventually made it over the hill by saying, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!”

• According to Mark Fenske, Ph.D., a neuroscientist in Canada, “Focusing on a mantra can reduce activity in brain structures associated with negative emotion, which in turn affect your autonomic nervous system, resulting in a slowed heart rate and lowered stress response."

• Repeating a mantra over and over keeps that particular message at the forefront of your mind. When you repeat your mantra and say it with conviction, you will soon believe it to be reality.


• The key to choosing a good mantra for yourself is to think of your purpose. Are you trying to stay calm and focused at work when confonted by your boss? Or do you need help keeping your cool when driving in rush hour traffic?