How to Manage Your Stress and Live a Stress Free Life by Changing Your Attitude

Nearly all of us suffer from stress at some level. Unfortunately, most of us unknowingly create our own stress. We live a fast paced and competitive lifestyle, and from that, we suffer the stressful consequences.

What can you let go to simplify your life? Slow down and step back into observer mode. Look at your own patterns — you can’t change them until you recognize them. If you think you can’t change the direction of your life, then simply adjust the path.

We all want everything for our children and ourselves. But what price are we willing to pay? During the process of gaining material possessions, we may be missing out on the true pleasures and satisfaction our lives naturally generate. Time to play with the kids, barbeque with friends, lie on a beach, or read a good book all are simple pleasures. They are less stressful, and, best of all, free.

It’s our everyday habits that become unhealthy and create stress. Because our need to get ahead most likely creates a busier schedule for us, we may eat poorly, not sleep enough, smoke or drink too much, or not exercise. Living this unhealthy lifestyle we not only create our own stress, but we might be prolonging it.

Changing your lifestyle will require changes in your daily habits. Most stress is initially triggered or exaggerated by common everyday occurrences. Make an attempt to satisfy your emotional and physical needs rather than prioritizing your monetary needs.

Look at your daily habits. Do you overwork yourself, eat on the run, or stay up late at night? We all have some unhealthy daily habits. Eliminating as many as possible and replacing them with better choices can reduce our stress levels. Here are some basic guidelines to healthier daily living.

1. Eat at least one hot balanced meal a day.
2. Get seven or eight hours of sleep every night.
3. Turn off the news on television.
4. Exercise to the point of perspiration at least twice weekly.
5. Limit yourself to less than half a pack of cigarettes a day, or better yet, quit all together.
6. Drink fewer than five alcoholic beverages a week.
7. Maintain the appropriate weight for your height.
8. Keep your spending habits in balance with your income.
9. Join a church or social group.
10. Keep your body in good health (including eyes, ears, and teeth).
11. Keep the lines of communication open with your spouse and family (chores, money, etc.).
12. Organize your time. Make daily lists of things to do.
13. Limit your caffeine beverages to less than three a day.
14. Take some quiet time for yourself every day.
15. Prioritize and try to see the big picture.
16. Learn and practice refueling rituals.
17. Do something fun at least once a week.

“Most of the time, I don’t have much fun. The rest of the time, I have no fun at all.”
——Woody Allen, actor

What would it take to find the time to do more of the things you enjoy? What would you have to change? When you’re doing something you enjoy, what is it that makes you stop? If you can answer that last question, you might be able to change whatever it is so you have more time to do what you love. Everything is achievable depending on what you are willing to give up.


Carol Denbow is a three-time award winning author. Her third book, Stress Relief for the Working Stiff, How to Reverse the Embalming Effect is considered by experts to be the most comprehensive and useful stress relief book available today. Visit Carol’s website at http://www.BooksByDenbow.Weebly.com/stress-books.html to meet “Frank” the lovable “stressed out” character who represents all of us working stiffs!

Imagine This

Guided Imagery is very similar to meditation. It uses your imagination to guide your thoughts to a relaxed place or time. It is based on the concept that your mind and body are connected. If you can place your mind somewhere, your body will respond and follow. Using all of your senses, your body seems to respond as though what you are imagining is real.

Guided imagery is used to promote relaxation, which can lower blood pressure and reduce stress. It has been used to reduce the pain and trauma of childbirth. You can also use it to help reach goals such as losing weight or quitting smoking.

To try it, close your eyes and imagine you are holding an orange. Bring to your mind the texture and color of the orange. Imagine the smell of it and breathe the scent into your nose. Peel the orange and imagine the juice dripping on your hand. Now see yourself taking a bite of the orange and feel the juice squirting into your mouth. Many people salivate when they do this, demonstrating how your body responds to what you are imagining.

Now try this imagery. Close your eyes and imagine you are at your favorite place. Picture the place as much in detail as possible. Imagine the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings you have when you’re there. Let your body and mind respond as if you were really there. Your thoughts will be calmed, your muscles will relax, and a feeling of letting go will come over you. What a trip!

Guided imagery is an instant stress reliever that can be done almost anywhere. Use it to take you back to a favorite vacation spot or any place you enjoy being, and let the respite begin.

Although guided imagery is safe, it should never be done while operating a vehicle or in any other situation where your total attention is required. Guided imagery is most effective when taught by a person trained in guided imagery techniques.

Post Author: Carol Denbow is an award winning author of three books including Stress Relief for the Working Stiff, How to Reverse the Embalming Effect.
Visit Carol’s website at http://www.booksbydenbow.weebly.com/