Stress Relief

Have you tried to find something to relieve your stress, or better yet, looked on the internet for a 'stress relief' solution?

By now you know there is no simple answer to this either. The solutions available vary from exercise to Yoga classes, from reading a book to walking. The truth is it really does depend on the individual and what they feel contributes to a feeling of calmness and Zen! We all have stress due to one thing or another. We have stress because of our jobs, does that mean we quit? We have stress because of money, family problems, not enough hours in the day, and the list goes on. So how can there be one answer? Well the answer of course is, there isn't. Stress relief is not about solving the various causes, but coming to grips with how far we allow it to consume us.

All of us have been guilty of it at one point in another in our lifetime of not taking time for ourselves. This is not to say that our jobs and those around us are insignificant, but if we continue to allow ourselves to be consumed by those events that generate the stress, then we will only continue to harm ourselves and our level of tolerance will continue to decrease. So is there a fast solution? Well perhaps depending how committed one is to a lifestyle change.

Dealing with stress should not be about how to obtain an artificial solution or short term answer. It should be a philosophical one. Reflecting about the things that disturb us and how to fix them is a good step one, but what if the problem cannot be fixed or at least anytime soon? No matter what the cause of the stress is we need to try and find brief pleasure in the small things around us. Sounds corny? Perhaps, but someone once said "death is around the corner", which is just a reminder of 'smell the roses while you can'. Whenever you feel the stress level has reached maximum levels, step away. No matter what it is, indulge in something that makes you smile. Take a walk some place serene, go out for dinner with a friend or family member, do anything that can make you smile briefly to give yourself a break. Be good to yourself!