EIGHT PROVEN STRESS BUSTERS

1. Get at least eight hours of sleep each night.  Overcoming our societal trend toward sleep deprivation may be the best stress buster of all.  Weekends are not meant for making up for lost sleep, they are for relaxation and doing things at a leisurely pace.  More sleep equals better rest for your body, which translates to clearer thinking and more energy.

2.  Avoid coffee, or any form of caffeine, as it will overstress your body.  If you must drink coffee (or soda or tea), do so in small, frequent doses, drinking smaller servings every few hours.  If you can, switch to eating apples as they contain substances that can pep you up and keep you alert, and they are also healthier.  Stay away from all simulants at night when you should be preparing your body for a good night's sleep.

3.  Exercise frequently, but not for long.  Exercise releases endorphins, which can increase your energy and make you feel better.  So take short walks - walk your dog, walk up stairs instead of taking the elevator, take a few laps in the pool, or do something that gets your heart rate up for 10-15 minutes.  At work, walk around every few minutes and do not stay seated for over an hour at a time.  A little exercise can keep the strain of your back and renew your circulation.  This also allows you to think and feel better.

4. Increase human contact with people you enjoy.  If you tend to ruminate on problem issues, human contact can actually help you relax and get your mind off your problems.  It can also help you think outside the box and allow you to find solutions to your problems or dilemmas.

5.  Take time to dream and let your imagination fly.  If you are deep in paperwork or need to finish a lengthy report, you can always engage in one task not associated with your job.  Set aside five minutes out of every hour or two so you can meditate about your dream job or look at pictures in a coffee table book.

6.  Think before you eat.  Too many of us use food in unhealthy ways when we are under stress.  Are you an emotional eater?  Is eating a way to alleviate stress?  Do you eat because you are bored?  If this is you, subsitute some of these other activities when you find yourself making a beeline for the refrigerator.

7.  Be a kid again!  Remember that God makes a big distinction between being childlike (good) and childish (bad).  Being an adult is hard work, especiailly if we rarely let our hair down.  Bring some childlike activities into your lifestyle.  Take a nap.  Spend more time with children.  Read children's books.  Kids need playtime...and so do adults.

8.  Laugh...and laugh until you are rolling on the floor.  Laughter is one of the best therapies of all; even for stress, anxiety and depression.  Laugh at anything that is even remotely funny (and doesn't cause hurt feelings).  Learn why God reveals that laughter is such good medicine.

 I lift up my eyes to the Hills- where does my help come  from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.  The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.  ~Psalm 121