7 Creative Ways to Stress Less and Live More!

Stress is epidemic in today’s culture and, as science has shown, a leading culprit in many diseases affecting our daily lives. Unmanaged, chronic stress wreaks havoc on the immune system, opening the door for a whole host of physical and emotional issues. Stress and accompanying anxiety have been linked to heart disease and depression, muscle pain, slow healing, and even the common cold.

In much of life, stress is inevitable. Some of it is predictable, and some comes, seemingly, out of nowhere. While you can’t control the stressors in your life, such as family members, project deadlines, unexpected expenses, you can control how you deal with your reaction. Evidence shows that mentally stimulating, enjoyable, pursuits will relieve stress, recharging your mind, body and spirit. The following creative stress busters help you get back on track and become a more positive, productive, and thriving human being.

Laugh Daily

Finding humor, and being able to laugh, especially during trying times, goes a very long way toward quieting the stress monster. When you laugh, your body releases endorphins, the same chemical that causes “runner’s’ high”. A good laugh eases anxiety, diffuses conflict, and immediately improves your mood. Go ahead and watch your favorite sitcom, check out a live comedy show, or reconnect with that one friend who can always make you laugh. Humor is an easy and genuine way to reduce your stress.

Commune with Nature

Simply being outdoors can clear the cobwebs from your mind and energizes your spirit. The smells, sights, and sounds of nature create a mood enhancing cocktail no bartender could duplicate. Take a nature break. Work outside, go for a walk, take a meeting in a nearby park, or simply learn to savor life as you breathe in the fresh air, and soak up the vitamin D. This change of setting is an instant mood-enhancer.

Sing Out Loud

When you sing, you stimulate the Vagus nerve, which runs along the back of your sinus cavity and throat. Stimulating this nerve causes your upper body to relax, easing neck and shoulder pain brought on by tension, and making you feel instantly better. So sing away your tension-in the shower, or at your local karaoke night-and let your inner rock star shine.

Spend Time With Animals

Dogs, and pets, in general really are man’s best friend when it comes to stress relief. Their unconditional love and affection provide a welcome respite, especially at the end of a grueling day. No time for a full-time house pet? Volunteer at an animal shelter, or simply fill a nearby bird feeder, and observe your feathered friends as they enjoy that which you’ve provided. Interacting with animals, anywhere, offers an opportunity to restore balance, a necessary component of long-term stress reduction.

Take Time to Create

Even if you don’t consider yourself particularly artistic, everyone has the ability to self-express in creative ways. Paint, sculpt, refinish old furniture, build a birdhouse (for those birds you’re feeding) or take a favorite class and invest in yourself. Studies confirm when you engage your right brain in artistic expression, you’ll reap the same benefits as if you were meditating. Your breathing slows, your stress hormones abate, and you become happier and more relaxed. So pick up that paintbrush, channel your inner DaVinci, and take a creativity break.

Be in the Moment

When you feel like you’re on a roller coaster that’s careening out of control, filled with worries, to-do lists and second-guessing yourself, it’s time to put on the brakes of mindfulness. Stop, let go of judgment, and concentrate on your breathing. Practice the 4-2-4 breathing technique:  inhale for 4 seconds, hold that breath for 2 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, slowly, evenly. Stay mindful of the now, and allow yourself a break from those stress-provoking and worrisome thoughts.

Count Your Blessings

When your heart is filled with gratitude for all the blessings of your life, there’s little room for stress. Sometimes, when anxiety is high and the pressure seems overwhelming, stepping back and seeing the beauty of your life gives you pause and helps set you back on track. Commit to making gratitude a regular practice and see how much better you feel.

Stress Plays No Favorites

Whether you find yourself at the top of your career, setting goals you never imagined, or striving to realize your dream, stress and pressure are part of everyone’s life. A little stress is natural, and some may even say “motivating”. But, left unmanaged, the pressure can become too much. Once stress takes over, you can easily lose focus and your path to success is no longer clear.

Take steps today to manage your stress. Laugh, sing, breathe, create, roll around with your dog, and appreciate the now. Stay healthy, improve your relationships, and enjoy your wonderful life. You only have one!