Habits that will help you overcome stress

All of us experience stress, right? Yes! Here are a few simple habits I've collected to help you break through your stress.

Create a gratitude list. Ben Franklin said it best, "While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us." Scribe 100 blessings in your life. The list is endless. However, the relaxing benefits will affect you as soon as you begin. Relish in all the blessings you enjoy. We have so many wonderful things to be grateful for. The average person today lives better than the richest kings in history.

Sleep on a comfortable bed. People are known to sleep on the same bed for 10, 20, or more years. The average person perspires eight ounces during each eight hours of sleep, and rolls over 50 to 80 times during the same period. Sleep on a good mattress that wicks away the sweat and supports you ergonomically. Enjoy in the rewards of a good night's sleep. In "The Odyssey" ancient Greek philosopher, Homer announced, "There is a time for many words, and there is also time for sleep." Think about it. One-third of your life is spent in bed. Make yourself comfortable!

Practice good posture. Good posture communicates that you are alert and confident; it can also relieve many physical stresses. Poor posture is responsible for many health problems. When sitting keep your feet flat on the floor. The height of your chair should allow your knees to form right angles. If the chair is too large, place a stool or books under your feet to raise your legs to this position. Relieve back stress by crossing your legs occasionally. When standing keep your head centered over your trunk. Habitually letting your head tilt forward may lead to chronic tension and pain in the neck muscles. Avoid slumping by keeping your shoulders down and back, and your chest up. But do not assume a stiff military posture; stay relaxed.

Visit the spa regularly. Get a massage or facial, manicure or pedicure. Relax in the hot tub or sauna. Most spas use aromatherapy which is a bonus. The scent of lavender, eucalyptus, sage or peppermint has wonderful calming effects. Ernest Homes wrote, "Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it."

Practice the art of forgiveness. The person who seeks revenge should dig two graves. The act of forgiveness is actually an act of self-care as it releases anger, resentment, pain or fear, and allows room for joy, happiness, peace and love. Forgiveness is something you do for yourself, not for others. You can achieve forgiveness by writing a letter to a person who has offended you. Say everything you want to say and then destroy the letter. Another tool that may help is to talk to the person if possible, owning the part of the issue that is yours. Learning to apologize is also a great way to forgive yourself and allows for others to forgive too. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it and make an apology to anyone who was hurt or inconvenienced. Forgiveness can be tough. Listen to Mohandas Gandhi who acknowledged, "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."

Use the power of music. This habit helps you clear away noise and sounds that have bombarded you during your day. Select your favorite relaxation music. If you don't have any, buy some. Lie down or sit in a comfortable position and turn on the music. Take several deep breaths and let go of all tension. Allow the music to flow through you and over you, washing away all the junk noise and sounds that have pounded you all day. Let yourself get immersed in the music.

Practice desk-bound stretching. Simple stretching exercises serve to reduce stress by focusing your mind on something other than daily job pressures. Try this one: Keep both feet flat on the floor and drop your head toward your knees. Let your arms dangle freely. This relaxing pose will relieve tension in your lower back and increase circulation to your head. Also remember to get up from the desk and computer to walk around.

Take control of your finances. Personal development author Jim Rohn said it best, "Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals." Balance your checkbook and draft a budget that you can stick to. Anxiety levels tend to rise when financial pressures such as monthly bills and unexpected expenses pop up. You're not alone if this happens to you. Surveys suggest that nearly 80 percent of those polled worry to some extent about paying their bills and making ends meet. You can combat this and win the battle by accounting for the money you spend and developing a budget that accommodates your personal financial parameters.

Enjoy nature. When it comes to stress it is always a good idea to get back to nature and go outdoors to smell the roses. A nature hike of any length usually does the trick. Any nature getaway will do. Take your time and stop often to just observe your surroundings. Feel the tension leave your mind, body and soul. Carefully plan your outdoor activity to fit your level of enjoyment. Follow the treatment of John Muir, "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."

It's not about knowing; it is about doing. Go ahead. Use at least one of these proven ways to live a more relaxed, tranquil and fulfilled lifestyle.

Best of success to you!

Jeffrey Benjamin is the co-author of Real Life Habits for Success‚ the founder of Breakthrough Training in Reno and the host of Breakthrough Radio every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on 99.1 FM Talk. Contact him through www.breakthroughtraining.com.