Ways to Relax, Reduce Stress and Live Happier & Healthier

2008-09-05T19:01:00.000-07:00

How you think about your life can make a difference in how you experience life.
If you focus on what you don't have and what is wrong, you will create
more stress through your frustration and negativity. Choose instead to focus on what's right and good i your life. A positibe mind set helps you develp a lighter
happier attitude that cushions the bumps in the road.

Set your intentions to trust God instead ofdwelling on negative circumstances.
A trusting attitude opoens the door for positive change, just as opening a windown allow fresh air to circulate through a stuffy room.

When you catch yourself complaining, exchange your complaints for praise
and thanksgiving.

Tap into the power of prayer. A creative way to aligh yourself with God's highest will for your life is to write an affirmative prayer. One way is to personalize a Scripture verse and make it into a prayer:

Psalm 118:6 - The Lord is on my side and I am not afraid

Live in the Present Moment -

Have you ever noticed how often your mind dwells ont he past or in the future? You may be int he midst of a conversation with a friend, but your mind is leaping ahead to the errands you still have to complete. You may be easting a delicious lunch, yot you replay a past argument in your mind.

I know I am famous for working on some task and before I know it my mind has driftedt o another place and time in my past and I don't even realize it. Or I'm focus'd on what will occur the next weekend.

Choose to focus on the presence in your life instead of worrying about the future or regretting the past. Enjoy the moment while its here. Savor the meal you are eating. Be fully present to your friend. Be fully present to your friends. Be aware that every moment is a gift and a miracle.

Notice what kinds of statements you make in your mind. Transform your limited statements "I can't, I'm not" to freeing statements "I can, I choose".

Stretch - Take an exercise class that stretches your body. Read a book that stretches your mind and spirit.

When you're feeling old and jaded and tired, become like a child again. Rediscover the sheer joy of wiggling like a worm and dancing like a butterfly.
Take off your shoes and wiggle your toes. Take a few silly moments and dance
in the street or fill a bath tub up with whip cream and sit in it.

Children don't hesitate to move freely and joyfully but as we grow older we're embarrassed or ashamed or don't feel its appropriate to behave in silly or strange manners. In my mind its appropriate if it feels right and makes you happy.

Traffic james, crowds and noise, chores at home. Obligations at work. Daily life can wear down your soul and make you tired. Go away to where the only traffic is a deer crossing the path or a squirrel skittering up a tree. Follow a winding trail through the forest and enter a world of beauty far, far away from everyday cars and worries.

A walk in nature's beauty will renew your spirit.

Soak in the Tub - When your nerves are frazzled and your tired from a hectic workday, or a stressful day with the kids a soothing soak in the tub can give you a mini spa vacation. A hot bath with essential oils or Epsom salt can ease sore muscles. A warm bath with soft scents can help you get to sleep more easily.

Do you take quick, shallow breaths? That type of breathing creates tension. Take a gntle, deep breath, feeling it reach down toward your belly? Lie on your back. Spend tem minutes breathing gently and deeply. Allow your breathing to relax and refresh you.

Practice Mindfullness - Ease the stress in your life by focusing on what you are experiencing right now. Instead of dismissing the details of your dialy life as unimportant, choose to treat everything you do even household chores as important.

For example when your washing dishes, concentrate on the act of washing dishes. Feel the silkiness of the warm water. Take pleasure in the clean dishes.

Take Time to Smell The Roses - Slow your hurried pace and take a moment to let the beauty remind you of the glory of creation. Smell a rose, watch a flaming crimson and gold sunset. Admire the daisies dancing by the roadside as you drive to work.

Eat for Energy - If you've been living on fast foods and packaged snacks as most of us do these days in our hurried lives, try a healthier way of eating. You'll discover new evergy and feel good about yourself. Snack on fresh raw vegetables and delicious fruits instead of doughnuts, chips and cookies. Try this for a week and you'll feel a big difference in your energy level and the way your body feels.

Purify your Body with Water - Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning, reminding yourself to stay pure in though throughout the day. According to scientific experts, dehydration has a negative effect on your metabolism. A decrease in water consumption contributes to fatigue. Dehydration can also have a profound effect on brain funciton and energy level.

Make a date to spend some times with good friends - Whether you're laughting at a silly joke or talking about decorations of your home friends make life worthwhile. Ensure that love and laughter are a part of your week. Call some friends and make time for fun together.

These little life exchanges can actually help you releave stress and look at the world a little more pleasant. Try some of them let me know if it helps you as much as it's helped me in my life.

Relax and Reduce Stress

Ways to Relax, Reduce Stress and Live Happier & Healthier