Zap Stress with Cost-Effective Creativity

“Stress is not what happens to us. It’s our response TO what happens. And RESPONSE is something we can choose.”  --Maureen Killoran

The Dying Art of Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is a dying art. Especially in America. Unabated exposure to media, cell phones, laptops, cyberspace romances, marital issues, career pressures and motherhood all combine to rob women of time to ponder the beauty of existence. Because time is so precious, few realize the importance of sacrificing a share to self-reflection through prayer, meditation or quietly observing nature and focusing on being alive. The price we pay for this choice is increased stress and no good can come from it.  In fact, studies show that over two-thirds of office visits to physicians are for stress-related illness.

We all know that stress is a “silent killer” and considered the culprit in many maladies, including heart disease. In fact, you might find it shocking, but heart disease is the leading cause of death for all American women and the number one killer of minority women in the United States. Stress, like poison, becomes cumulative over a period of time, leading to many physical illnesses. It is an insidious villain that hides in the shadow of our psyches.

In stress we find an evil genius like Sherlock Holmes’ nemesis Dr. Moriarity. Like Holmes, in order to defeat this ill-famed disease, we must employ creative means.

Ways to Create a Stress-Reducing Environment

Stress management doesn’t always have to be in the form of expensive therapies. Below are activities that may help relieve stress, many of which will have a price tag of zero!

• Avoid Energy Vamps.  Run away! Drama Queens they drain energy and create stress.
• Slay the Spirit of Gravity: Laugh for health! Laughter reduces stress hormones.
• In the Moment Dwells Eternity. Live for the moment. Try remembering this great adage. “If you have one eye on yesterday and one eye on tomorrow, you’re going to be cockeyed today!” – Author Unknown.
• Meditate. Aids in relaxation and inner peace. Try it with music, or without and see which feels the most relaxing, and also try a guided imagery or chanting tape.
• Journal and Poetry writing. Poetry writing may help you overcome even full-blown depression.
• Aromatherapy. Studies suggest Lavender may help reduce mental stress. Buy some fresh or bathe in the essence of this healing scent.
• Positive Mental Imagery. Amaze yourself. Use imagery to promote positive thinking.  Remember your last trip to the ocean or a beautiful mountain .

Reduce stress through self-reflection. Go ahead Divas, re-focus and ZAP out of it!