We all know that too much stress is bad for us, leading to a myriad of problems
including; high blood pressure, obesity, and even some diseases. And let’s face it, many women do not have the time in their busy schedules to take a vacation or meditate. Consequently, many people, especially women, turn to such coping mechanisms such as overeating and smoking, which only aggravate the negative side effects of stress even further. O’Connor gives 10 stress-reducing tips that even the busiest woman can accommodate in her life.# 1. Prep for the Next Day before You Leave Work.Getting organized for the next day, such as cleaning up your office or making a to-do list, will alleviate your mind of various work stressors later that evening, which will make it much more peaceful and enjoyable. Furthermore, starting the next day organized and prepared will give you a sense of control of the day, which in itself is a major relief of stress. # 2. Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand. More often than men, women will turn to simple-carbohydrate dense comfort food to combat stress. According to researchers at Montclair State University in New Jersey, this is partially true due to that fact that women often diet, and when confronted with a stressful situation, they are much more likely to binge on foods they normally try to avoid. By keeping three to four small snacks on hand of something that you will most likely want, you will be less likely to go on a massive binge in a stressful situation.# 3. Perform a Simple Repeat-Performance Task for Even Just a few Minutes. Studies have found that performing repeat tasks, such as vacuuming, or repeating a word that represents the way you wish you felt (calm, happy), can quickly give you a sense of tranquility. It also has the health benefits of temporarily bringing down blood pressure, heart and breathing rate, and helps relax your muscles. # 4. Wash your Hands Frequently.When you are under stress, your immune system does not function as well, leaving you more susceptible to germ-born illness. Illness, with missed time from work and family, just leads to more stress. So zap the germs before they get you down. # 5. Beat Stress in Your Car.Turn on soothing music while you drive. According to a study by the British journal Heart, soothing music has been proven to relieve stress. Another thing you can do in the car for stress relief is to perform this simple exercise: Hold on to your steering wheel and clench all the muscles starting from your fingers, all the way up to your shoulders and in your back. Hold for about 4-5 seconds and release. # 6. Use the ATM only OnceOnly make one ATM withdraw per week. This will help you keep a tighter reign on your spending habits. Pay yourself a weekly cash allowance and only allow yourself to spend that only. By having a greater sense of control over your finances, you will alleviate an enormous amount of financial stress. # 7. Hit the Pool. According to the International Journal of Stress Management, floating in water reduces stress hormone levels, tension, and depression. # 8. After Work in the Evenings, Take a Break from all of Your Electronic Communication Devices.With all of the advanced technology nowadays, the line between home and work is vague. When you come home at night, steer clear of your cell phone, blackberry, laptop, PC, etc. These devices constantly keep us in a state of awareness, not allowing us to get the necessary down-time that we need. It also takes away from the invaluable time we spend with our families and our family relationships. According to the Journal of Marriage and Family, there is a correlation between cell phone and pager use with an increase in stress in the family. # 9. When Facing a Major Challenge in Life, Remember a Past Challenge that you Successfully Conquered. Remembering similar challenges that you conquered in the past gives you a sense of empowerment and peace, knowing that you have the power to overcome life’s obstacles. If going through a serious crisis that you have never experienced before, seek a self-help group, counselor, or some other form of social support. # 10. Before Falling Asleep at Night, Perform a Simple Spinal Twist Stretch Called Asana.Sit on your bed Indian-style. Put down your right hand behind you on the bed while resting your left hand on your right knee. Sitting up straight, inhale between four to eight counts as you lengthen your spine as you breathe. During exhale, twist towards your right hand and hold for four more breaths. Repeat on the other side. This helps to alleviate the tension that has built up in your lower back throughout the day.