FIVE WAYS TO KEEP STRESS UNDER CONTROL

FIVE WAYS TO KEEP STRESS UNDER CONTROL

In order to alter your response to elements that are out of your control, consider these stress-reduction tips.

1: Take on one task at a time. Avoid extra stress by centering your attention on one task at a time. Focusing on one job will make it easier, and will probably result in a job well done.

2: Eat nutritious foods. Eating a balanced, low-fat diet will give you more energy. Avoid excessive quantities of alcohol, heavy meals and drinks high in caffeine & sugar, which can leave you fatigued.

3; Take care of your body. Not only does exercise improve your level of fitness; it also stimulates chemical changes in your body that relax you and increase your mind’s alertness. Try walking or working out at least three times a week.

4: Find a few friends. A few close friends can be a great source of support when you needit. Sharing your feelings with a sympathetic ear can be therapeutic. You may gain insight into what’s bothering you, and feel less burdened by your problems.

5: Laugh a lot. Laughter relaxes your muscles and releases stress-reducing hormones. Studies prove it’s benefits in preventing illness and releases natural painkillers. And it feels good too.

Say a Little Prayer
Squirrels had overrun three churches in town. After much prayer, the elders of the first church determined that the animals were predestined to be there. Who were they to interfere with God's will? they reasoned. Soon, the squirrels multiplied.
The elders of the second church, deciding that they could not harm any of God's creatures, humanely trapped the squirrels and set them free outside of town. Three days later, the squirrels were back.
It was only the third church that succeeded in keeping the pests away. The elders baptized the squirrels and registered them as members of the church. Now they only see them on Christmas and Easter.

Prayer
Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served.
When little Johnny received his plate he started eating right away.
"Johnny, wait until we say our prayer."
"I don't have to," the boy replied.
"Of course you do," his mother insisted. "We say a prayer before eating at our house."
"That's at our house," Johnny explained, "but this is Grandma's house, and she knows how to cook."

The Tooth Fairy
While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my four-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds.
She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs.
One day, I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass.
As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, "The tooth fairy will never believe this!"