Taking Time to Reduce Your Stress

Taking Time to Reduce Your Stress

From Aileen Brazeau, Co-owner, San Clemente Villas by the Sea

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Stress seems to be a part of all our lives. We try to squeeze in so much into our days. But stress can be the result of many factors. Understanding ourselves and our lives may help us to squash those triggers that make our lives more stressful than they need to be.

If you're experiencing headaches, bouts with anger, trouble sleeping, depression or a change in your weight, stress probably has a lot to do with it. For those of you who are caring for an older loved one, your stress-level is probably at an all-time high.

Taking care of yourself and reducing your stress is vital to you and your loved ones. Remember the jobs you are doing are very important to those you love. Taking time to relieve your own stress will also be a blessing to your family and those who depend on you. Caregivers have a high risk for physical and mental illnesses. If you break down, the results will affect everyone in your life.

Do you take a few moments out of your day to reflect and de-stress? It’s important for our physical and mental health to have that time to unwind each day. So turn off the T.V. and the ringer on the phone. You give a lot during your day. It’s time to re-charge your battery!

1. Find a place where you can be comfortable. It might be the easy chair in your bedroom or a stool by the fireplace. I think it’s also good to have an outside place where you can find some quiet time. Just a chair on the porch will do.

2. Pick a time of the day when you’re less likely to be interrupted. Let your family know that you just need a few minutes alone.

3. This is your time to pamper yourself. You may choose to just sit with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Try to concentrate on nothing! Breathe. Soft music may help or just the sounds of the birds outside can calm us down. Relax. Loosen up your neck by rotating your head a bit. Roll your shoulders and gently shake out your legs.

4. Give yourself at least 10 to 15 minutes to really unwind. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Think happy thoughts. Try to think about a favorite vacation spot, or a place you love to visit. Loosen up your ankles, feet. Pretend the stress is pouring out of your fingertips. Now is the time to think about the beauty in your world and the love you have from your family and friends.

5. When you can spare a few more minutes, try jotting down some things you are grateful for, or just think about something nice that happened today. Think about the things that bring you joy. Do you love to watch the rain or a crackling fire in the hearth? Has someone you love done something nice lately? Push negative thoughts and problems aside. There will be time for those. Think happy thoughts. Recognize the things in your life that bring beauty and joy – a favorite childhood memory or a visit with a grandchild.

6. This is also a good time to read poetry or open your Bible to a favorite passage. Read slowly and really think about the words and the meaning. Just a few pages or passages can give you a whole new outlook for the day. Think about how the words speak to you.

7. Also choose to go outside every day. Even when it’s cold, bundle up and just go out on the porch for a few minutes. Feel the air and look up at the sky. Did you know that the simple act of looking up can help relieve tension and stress? Look for the beauty that is in your own yard.

8. If you are having trouble getting your quiet time, you might find taking a bath will get you that alone time. Light a few candles and set out your favorite sleepwear. Put on some soothing music and post a “Do not Disturb” sign on the door.

9. If possible, soak up some sun while you’re having your quiet time. Pick a spot by a sunny window. It’s important during the winter months to get enough sun.

10. Make your quiet time a daily splurge. It’s only a few minutes. Encourage your loved ones to try it too.

Let your family and loved ones know that you need this time. Let go of the guilt. You deserve some time to yourself and the good attitude it nurtures will be a blessing to everyone around you.

Studies have found that pets bring a lot of joy and calmness to our lives. Just the simple act of petting our cat or dog, or taking Fido out for a walk can go a long way to relieving the stress we feel each day.

My mother has always taught me the importance of quiet time. Her refuge is up in a sunny window of her bedroom. She says it makes her feel so much better. “I listen to beautiful classical music or read my Bible. Sometimes I’ll just work a puzzle in front of the window.”

I hope this encourages you to give yourself the simple gift of quiet time. We’d love to hear from you about how you relax and de-stress! And how you assist YOUR beloved elders in reducing their stress levels.

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See why I love Karen’s hints and tips for not just me and my husband, Paul, but for the wonderful residents of our San Clemente Villas by the Sea retirement Community.http://www.SanClementeVillas.com.

Aileen Brazeau, Co-owner, San Clemente Villas by the Sea

San Clemente Villas provides full-service, luxury assisted living to those over the age of 65. San Clemente Villas by the Sea is at 660 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, CA 92673. Phone: (949) 289-1534 | Fax: (949) 234-0081. Contact: Paul or Aileen Brazeau, Co-Owners of San Clemente Villas by the Sea. www.SanClementeVillas.com | abrazeau@cox.net.

News placement prepared by Bill Koelzer, Internet Marketing and PR Professional. www.Koelzer.com/longbio.html