Curbing Your Summertime Stress
By Kylee Harrison
Growing up in 4-H, July and August were always stressful moments of the year. As a kid, making sure I got the last-minute touches put on all my projects before entry day were so critical. Now, as a parent, I think back to those “stressful” kid-situations and think how easy I had it! No matter which phase of life you are in, stress always seems to creep into our daily life. When it does, it generally effects nearly every aspect of our lives including personal relationships, work-flow and our overall health. Here are some tips to help combat stress and anxiety. I hope this can be helpful to all, but especially our 4-H families just trying to make it through the next few weeks!
Try these when you’re feeling anxious or stressed:
- Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
- Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
- Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
- Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below.
- Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
- Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
- Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn’t possible, be proud of however close you get.
- Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?
- Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.
- Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
- Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
- Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.
