| If you're anything like a lot of people I know you are | | | | activity such as painting, weaving, or creating |
| always on the go. You spend far too much time | | | | greetings cards. It doesn't matter whether you are |
| driving to meetings you don't really want to attend; | | | | any good at it. It's the process itself that is beneficial. |
| there's always shopping needing to be done, rushing | | | | Sitting still while being gently creative and thinking of |
| around running after the children. You probably find | | | | the recipient of your efforts can be calming and |
| that heavy family and career | | | | stabilizing for many people. It can be a time to |
| demands leave you stressed out.There are lots of | | | | quieten your thoughts and concerns.5. Stroke a dog |
| ways to help you break the stress mould. Here are | | | | or cat. Health experts say that people who own or |
| my top 7 steps to help you...1. Shout your head off - | | | | play with pets tend to live longer and display fewer |
| scream if you like! Probably safer if you are alone, | | | | stress symptoms than non-pet owners. Playing with |
| otherwise you'll get some strange looks. The best | | | | your cat or dog or even hamster creates harmony |
| place I know is if you are in the middle of a field so | | | | between you and another living thing with no |
| you get fresh air in to your lungs to replace the stale | | | | pressure or expectations.6. Gaze at the night sky. |
| air you expel.2. Sing out loud. This is quite like the first | | | | Especially if you can get away from the city lights in |
| idea. I swear by the power of music of all sorts to | | | | a still, dark, and |
| release tension and stress. I prefer operatic arias | | | | quiet area just sit back and observe the stars in the |
| myself but you can sing whenever and whatever | | | | heavens.When you contemplate the vastness of the |
| you like although some people will get uncomfortable | | | | solar system in which we are such a tiny part, it can |
| if they are around you. Try singing when you are | | | | make a lot of problems suddenly seem very small |
| driving, turn the radio loud and join in - it really works | | | | indeed.7. Learn to accept yourself for who you are. |
| to break the stress mould.3. Start gardening, doing a | | | | Listen to what rules you make up for other people: |
| little every day. Even people who live in flats with no | | | | "he should..." or "she ought to..." and accept that they |
| garden can do this with pots and containers. You | | | | have a right to live their own lives in their own way. |
| could have pots on the patio, or in the conservatory, | | | | You wouldn't want them telling you how to live |
| or use an old sink or wheelbarrow. It doesn't take | | | | would you?Break the Stress Mould in 7 Steps is |
| much work to set it up and watching the plants, | | | | written by Peter Fisher who has over 25 years as |
| fruits, vegetables, flowers and watching grow and | | | | Coach, Counsellor and Consultant. Find out more |
| bloom, or provide food is very satisfying.Keen | | | | about how to reach your goal and be all you can |
| gardeners say that working in a garden is one of the | | | | be without stress.Peter Fisher is an expert Author |
| best ways to exercise your body and control stress | | | | and Publisher. He coaches and writes for people |
| and worry. Of course you also have the creation of | | | | undergoing career change. |
| a lasting, restful personal space.4. Try a calming | | | | |