How to Reduce Stress
Mukha pa ba akong beite sais? (Do I look like I’m only twenty six?) Definitely I don’t. Stress has definitely added a decade (or even more) to my real age. A fast-paced metropolitan living has amplified toll stress has caused upon me. The next time I knew it, I was already packed up holding my airline ticket en route to Visayas - to some of the places I have never been - Cebu City and Bohol Island. This is my way of coping up with stress. Everybody else might do it in some other way - it can range from dining outside, munching chocolates, shopping (retail therapy), paying psychiatrist a visit, or worst…committing suicide…(please don’t).
Well, there’s a good news. Perhaps not ‘news’ at all since this is already a common knowledge for some (that excludes me unfortunately). You need not spend too much to ease the stress that has been weighing us down day-in and day-out. We need to step back a little and see things in a wider perspective. And believe me, you will figure out the important from the not-so-important stuff in your life.
So let’s try evaluating ourselves how are we faring in the following suggestions. So far, I am 3/11. Let’s see if you get twice as much…=)
*Give your body sufficient rest each day
*Maintain a reasonable diet. Avoid overeating
*Engage in proper and regular exercise, such as brisk walking
*If something worries you, talk to a friend about it
*Spend more time enjoying your family
*Delegate or share household chores
*Know your own physical and emotional limitations
*Set realistic goals; do not be a perfectionist
*Be organized; have a balanced, reasonable schedule
*Cultivate Christian qualities such as mildness and patience
*Set aside some time for yourself
Source: Awake! February 8, 2005
See, going to the spa is not one of them (though I would like to try this soon) and this is not even meant to promote Stresstabs (forgive me Wyeth guys).
Stress when not handled properly can cause mayhem to our lives. It can destroy the most nurtured relationships we have - with our family and friends and may cause us to lose our jobs. It can rob security and fulfillment from us.
Why wait for that to happen, start bringing your life back on track (if you think it’s derailed already) and do not let stress obscure the people and things that really matters in this world. After all, stress is not a matter of destiny. We can choose not to be entangled into the chaos of life that cause all these stressors.
When we start to feel like our efforts in reducing stress are futile - then take heart. I don’t think we can rid of stress altogether. Remember, we only aim to ‘reduce’ stress not to completely put it out of the picture. Because stress, no matter how much we love to hate it, is sure here to stay. At least in this chaotic ‘world’ we live into. But the good thing is…stress shall without a doubt make success sweeter than what it can be. It’s only by going through a lot of hardships can we truly enjoy the very fruits of our toils….
May 20th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Hi Francis. hehe.. I got 8 out of the 11. I learned a long time ago that successfully coping with problems and resolving those problems starts with oneself. It is important to have the support and foundation of your family, friends and God (in no particular order :-)) to get you through. It is also nice to have a sanctuary like Bohol to go an visit and get your mind at ease. More expensive than Stresstabs, but it brings results that are more lasting.
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Hi Kuya Jo, kumusta? I wanted to post this because I need to be reminded constantly. And I agree with you. We really need a support system - which you named already. I went to Bohol last Feb out of stress. But I realized that the scenery will be truly enjoyed when shared with your family or friends. So the next time I went there, I was with two friends. Hopefully I can bring my family next time. See, my coping mechanism comes with a price! Last year was more pricey (and more risky) because I had to deal with higher level of stress.