The Top 10 Top Ten Ways to Eliminate Stress

Originally Submitted on 10/31/2000.

Stress is what you feel when the demands on your life exceed your ability to meet those demands. Eliminating stress in your life is a proactive approach to dealing with stress. Create a lifestyle that doesn't feed on stress, but is resilent to it. To eliminate stress a two part approach is needed: 1.) Decrease the demands on your life and 2.) Strengthen your self-care.

1. Learn to say "no".

Learning to say "no" to opportunities and requests so you don't create unrealistic demands on yourself. What can you start saying, "no" to in your life. Saying "no" is a skill that can be developed. You have the power to choose so start taking a proactive approach to your life.

2. Exercise.

Regular exercise decreases the production of adrenaline and will counteract the stress response. People who are physically fit can handle stress better. Make exercise or movement part of your daily routine.

3. Create more time in your life.

Simplify your life so you are not over committed and rushed. What can you eliminate? Stop rushing. Make it a practice to be 10 minutes early for all of your appointments. This is one way to give yourself a reserve of time. Don't fill it with last minute "to do's" -- keep your reserve. It is a huge gift to yourself. When you have more time you can relax, connect and notice the beauty of your world.

4. Eliminate energy drains and create healthy sources of energy.

Figure out what is draining you? What do you put up with, tolerate or procrastinate? What is undone or imcomplete? These are things that are taking your energy. Find healthy sources of energy in your life that fuel you. Look at the areas of health, environment, relationships, spirit work and finances. Eliminate the energy drains and create positive sources of energy in your life.

5. Stop gossip.

Gossip is an ugly form of conversation that is good for no one. Some people feed on gossip as a source of energy and this is not healthy. Gossip impacts your relationships and your integrity. Create a no gossip policy in your life.

6. Eat healthy.

Eat foods that nourish your body and give you energy. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet and listen to your body. What makes your feel good? Give yourself lots of choices and fuel your body with high energy food.

7. Learn the art of relaxation.

Creating relaxing rituals in your life is very important to part of eliminating stress. Put a relaxation routine in place so when something unexpected comes up you are more able to deal with it without being stressed. Try office yoga, meditation, massage, hot baths or relaxation tapes. What will work for you?

8. Change your thoughts.

Your have the pwoer to think anything you want. Make the choice to think thoughts that build you up and eliminate stress in your life. What thoughts are getting in your way? What thoughts will give you abundance, prosperity, improve your self-esteem and make you rich? Think those thoughts.

9. Create a community that supports you.

Reach out or deepen those realtionships that nourish you and allow you to grow. Raise your standards and let go of those relationships that drain you or harm you. Surround yourself with people that nourish you in mind and spirit.

10. Make your environment beautiful.

What can you do to make your surroundings beautiful? Start noticing the beauty around you. This small act can be very meaningful in regard to the quality of your life.

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