What’s Eating You? Twelve Stress Zappers For Kicking The BIG “A”

Thanks to all of you that emailed me with your top stress zappers. I loved your thoughts and ideas on emotions we all share from time to time.  We all get over our heads in stress and anxiety.  We don’t talk about it because we are ashamed or fearful for being judged as not strong, or too emotional–maybe even crazy and unstable.  What a Crock! I have never met a woman who was anxiety free. And according to my daughter, I am old, therefore eligible for wise.

Anxiety will always be with us. It is what it is.

I for one am going to talk about it.  Alot.  Why would I keep hammering a subject that few of us want to own or admit to? Because anxiety and fear are to our minds and spirits what breast cancer and heart disease are to our bodies.  While we have whole organizations that support women with disease, there is a hushed silence when it comes to dealing with our real arch enemy, now and evermore known as the BIG”A”.

I don’t know about you, but I  am so done with that. First of all, anxiety and cancer hang out together–ever think about that? My plan is to kick the first one out before the other comes for a visit.

What about you?

So here are some of the best ideas for dealing with the BIG”A”. These won’t make your life anxiety free, but they will give your head and heart a break from the usual litany that keeps everything stirred up and snarly–and they could save your life.

TEN Girl tested anxiety zappers:

1. Walk Away: Get out of the way of the feelings, leave the scene, get in the car or go to another room. Create some space for yourself from the source of anxiety or stress.   The action of turning your back on the anxiety is powerful and lessens its impact and damage.

2. Go Outside: Simple and effective to go somewhere outdoors, take a walk, weed the garden, get the mail,  talk to a neighbor, play with your dog.  There is something about getting oxygen, change of scenery, entering into nature that helps makes anxiety step back. According to the Cleveland Clinic, basing your morning exercise routine on walking can also boost your immunity, since walking stimulates the production of T cells and antibodies. Additionally, walking can be done anywhere and in almost any conditions.

3. Close Your Eyes: Get quiet, be still, pray, repeat a mantra or a battle cry.  Breath in, Breath out. Comfort and nurture yourself as you would assure a good friend. Click Here for a five minute breathing exercise.

4. Get busy: Clean the house, organize the closets, alphabetize the cd’s–go crazy on the junk drawer.  Take control over something in your house you have power over.  There is a connection between how we are feeling inside and the condition of our homes and garages. Anxiety produces clutter, clutter produces anxiety.

5. Stretch OUT: Find some simple stretching and relaxation exercises that you can do in your cube, you kitchen or your car to allieviate feelings of stress. Create 2-4 minutes of the best exercises for your head, neck and lower back.

6. Go FISH: Fish sticks were always one of my kids favorite foods, so when I learned from my doctor that eating them can reduce stress, I was all for it! High levels of stress hormone adrenaline can switch the brain into overdrive and filling your head with anxious self-chatter. Luckily, adding more amino acid taurine (which can be found in fish) to diet can cut adrenaline production, quieting those racing thoughts. So fill your plate with fish a couple times a week.

7. Crank That FUNKY Music: Music is mental massage: Whenever I need to wind down, I crank up my iPod. Concentrating on the rhythm of my favorite song, helps induce relaxation. Its also helpful when completing chores. If I have lot to do around the house, I notice listening to music helps me complete my tasks faster.

8. EAT Breakfast: Your Mother was right. Find at least 3 choices for a breakfast ritual that work for you. Treat it like brushing your teeth or flossing.  Do it regardless.

9. Ditch The Java Jitters. Watch caffeine intake after noon. Typically, consuming a moderate amount of caffeine — 200 to 300 mg, the amount found in two to three cups of coffee — can make you more energetic and alert in the hours following, says Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D., a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. But when caffeine is consumed in large quantities — or anytime in the afternoon or evening — the quality of your sleep that night can take a nosedive, leaving you with heavy eyelids the next day.

10.Write Down Your Worries. During the day, jot down any stressors that are weighing on you. Then, do some mental problem-solving before your head hits the pillow — or, if you’re falling short on solutions, tuck your list away and resolve to brainstorm ideas during your morning shower or commute to work. I have a file folder marked, “Unsolved Mysteries and Other Concerns.”

11. Push Back. FInd an empty wall. Face it and stand 2 feet away.  Place  your hands flat against the wall and lean into the wall keeping your back and legs straight.  Spring from your elbows, pushing into the wall and push the emotions and anxiety into the wall.

12. Let your feelings out. Talk, laugh, cry, and express anger when you need to. Talking with friends, family, a counselor, or a member of the clergy about your feelings is a healthy way to relieve stress.

I hope you take these ideas to heart, take them to confession, take them for your best friend, daughter, mother, aunt. Whatever you do, don’t stay silent, hold it in, suck it up, shove it in your mouth or drink it away.  It doesn’t work.  I swear to you I know.

Isn’t it time to fight the real enemy before it steals your dreams, rattles your insides and makes you sick?

Then help me, help you start kickin’ some BIG “A”.

Look for more tomorrow…

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