We all experience stress at one time or another but there are times we just can’t seem to get rid of it. Why does this happen? Well we all have busy schedules but we add more and more to it causing ourselves to be overloaded.
It seems that there isn’t enough time to even eat at times.
You find yourself rushing all the time. If not dealt with on time it can cause us to lose sleep, become irritable, exhausted and forgetful.
It gets worse with time because it will actually take a toll in our body; causing us to become ill, suffer from headaches, ulcers, indigestion and high blood pressure. It sounds like too much but it’s true. When we are stressed we don’t take care of ourselves at all. Our bodies need to rest and proper nourishment. Stress levels can be so sever that it can cause a person to have a heart attack.
We have to relax, take deep breaths, let go what we can’t do and start taking care of ourselves. Psychologists are now teaching their patients what they call “play therapy”. Basically it teaches you techniques to help you feel calmer, relaxed and happier. This is something that was taken from children because they “play” their stress away.
MUSIC AND DANCING
They say music calms the savage beast. Well when we are stressed we become crazy at times, very irritable and let’s be honest, at times unbearable. Listening to music, dancing or singing out loud can help you get rid of that stress that is bottled up inside. This decreases the levels of the stress hormone called cortisol.
BOARD GAMES
They found that people who play board games such as clue and monopoly report less anxiety. They experience fewer signs of stress, upset stomachs and depression. These games require concentration and it keeps them distracted from their worries or concerns. These games also help in lowering their chances of suffering from Alzheimer’s.
PAINTING
Studies showed that art therapy can actually help ease symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder. It does not have to be a masterpiece. Just take a canvas and paint whatever you want, do this for at least an hour. Pour out your emotions, stress and fears on the canvas.
SQUEEZE
Many therapists have given a patient a ball which they squeeze every time they feel stressed, anxious or just angry. Well, we all remember play with Play-Doh. It was fun to squeeze it, pull at it, tug it and shape it into any form. Heck at times we threw it against the table and punched it flat. Doing this releases feel good endorphins, helping you get rid of all that stress that is weighing you down.