How to deal with Stress...

1. Learn to smile.
Don't undermine the power of smiling. Take every opportunity to flash that million dollar smile. As surprising as it may seem, smiling could actually lighten a very unpleasant situation. Brutus smiles better than me, enough said...

2. Talk about what stresses you.
Talking about problems and sources of anxiety is a great way to release the burden of having to deal with a stressful day. It doesn't only relieve stress; it also enriches your social life and keeps you in touch with friends and family. Friends can be cruel, its a fact, they give you music links (Christian) that makes one want to reach across the screen and strangle them. (really feeling better now!)

3. Keep a journal and write about your feelings.
There are some people who might not be that comfortable sharing their emotions to others no matter how close they are to the person. When such is the case, journal writing is the way to go. Writing about what happened during the day is a manner of cleansing oneself of all the anxieties during a hard day at work. You may scibble in the event the stress has not elevated at the moment.

4. Reading a book that interests you.
Reading a good book increases your knowledge, and do well for your overall health. A really inspiring book can elicit a feeling of lightness and motivation in a person. Or you may elict to tearing all the pages out one by one! Another de-stresser.

5. Laughing at short funny jokes.
Studies show that 40% of people who have heart diseases are less likely to be inclined to laughing. As funny as it may seem, laughter might just be the cheapest and easiest way to relieve stress. Joking, laughing around with friends are wonderful ways to de-stress. Pick you laughing friends well, some are down right evil! *sob*

Stress may be part of everyday living, but that doesn't necessarily equate to letting it through and take over. Accentuating the positive is a solution to deal with it. After all, stress is not what occurs; it's how one reacts to it. If you believe this, I have a nice fairy tale I will send you!

April