Is Stress Stressing You Out?

As we age, it seems like we become more and more hard-pressed to fulfill those, yet unfulfilled, dreams. We’re working harder, having less fun and setting ourselves up for some medical issues down the road if we don’t slow down. Are you living on a street known as “Stressful Alley?”

Stress is predicted to be the biggest health problem in the 21st century and if stress is spoiling the quality of your life, then you need to take some necessary action to reduce stress naturally and find some much needed relief.

Feeling as if you’re trapped in a rut or that your life is going nowhere is another part of stressful illnesses and this feeling can trigger depression. Doing the same routines day in, day out isn’t good for us and although we do need some security, needing it too much can cause problems. Take yourself out of your comfort zone and try something new. Start a fitness program, try a new sport, learn a musical instrument, go on a activity holiday or take up a new hobby. New experiences add to the pleasure you get from life and keep your spark alive.

When you’re suffering a stressful, depressive or anxious episode, a feeling that somehow, it’s your fault can creep in. In blaming yourself this way, guilty feelings arise and you feel even worse. But you’re not at fault in anyway, you didn’t suddenly decide to suffer from stress, depression or anxiety and I know you’d ditch them right now if you could! Stress, depression and anxiety have specific causes that certainly aren’t your fault. Never blame yourself and concentrate on treating the causes instead.

Burnout is an ever increasing problem in our society. As if a full working day isn’t enough, many people return home and have to do even more work to run the family home, prepare meals, time for the children and a multitude of other activities and people all clamouring for attention. So make “me time” a priority. Have at least one 20 minute break away from your work station where you can relax in peace. At home, schedule periods each day so you can rest and relax. These times are so important to both mental and physical health and they’ll help relieve stress, depression and anxiety.

It’s been said many times: What you focus on becomes your reality. It’s true and in life, little things can make a big difference. If you continually focus on problems, on little things that annoy you, on the irritating habits your loved ones have and on all of the inconveniences we all experience in daily living, your going to be unhappy. Instead, focus on the little things that make life worthwhile but that many of us take for granted: a sunrise, a smile, an act of kindness, a star filled sky, a hug from your children, a kiss from your lover or support from your friends and family. We all have many wonderful things we can focus on everyday instead of expecting them without regard and the more you focus on these little things, the happier you’ll feel.

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