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De-stress: Don’t let your worries pile up... |
The pressure of the upcoming holiday season, the fact that your wallet probably is thinner these days, the increasingly cold weather and decreased daylight. It all adds up to a stressful time.
With this in mind, we asked folks in jobs full of everyday stress — the field of health care — to share their favorite stress antidotes. The idea was to keep it simple, things that can be done in a minute or so.
It turns out that most people have their own, individualized way of handling stress. Take a look at what others have shared and you might be inspired to try their methods or keep refining your own ideas.
Participants were from Genesis Medical Center, the Rock Island County Health Department and Trinity Regional Health System.
I have a collection of older books, a series called “Great Literature.” I select a favorite author and read a brief segment of the book to regain proper perspective.
Stretch in the morning, during your lunch break and after dinner.
I talk to newborn babies. The expressions on their little faces can immediately make you smile.
Do isometric exercises while counting to eight or 10; hand against hand, or biceps and triceps.
Thirty to 60 seconds of deep breathing. Close your eyes and take a slow, deep breath in and imagine that breath moving to the lower abdomen. Breathe out and imagine you pushed that breath to the lower spine. Take a second breath in and imagine it moving to the back of your head. Now breathe out and push the breath out your nose. Repeat four to 10 times.
Memorize a few Scriptures and hymns that you can recite to yourself when needed.
Do a game of spider solitaire on the moderately difficult setting.
Have a colleague or friend massage your shoulders for about a minute, or use one of those massager products that is shaped like a hand. Hit the tension spots.
Take deep breaths and think about how much worse it could be!
Tape a fun song, like “Cupid Shuffle.” Play it every day so people can get up and line dance for about 30 seconds. It helps everyone to laugh and feel better.
Deirdre Cox Baker can be contacted at (563) 383-2492 or dbaker@qctimes.com . Comment on this story at qctimes.com .
Events for the weekend and a preview of upcoming stories. Delivered on Wednesday at 4pm.
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