Before proceeding with the five stress-busting techniques, let’s begin with a test to determine your stress level. Read the following description completely before looking at the picture:
The picture below was used in a case study on stress levels at St. Mary’s Hospital. Look at both dolphins jumping out of the water. The dolphins are identical. A closely monitored, scientific study revealed that, in spite of the fact that the dolphins are identical, a person under stress would find differences between the two dolphins. The more differences a person finds between the dolphins, the more stress that person is experiencing. Now look at the picture:
Did you find more than one or two differences between the two dolphins? If so, you’re in dire need of the stress-busting tips below:
The Stress-Busting Time Table
“The Stress-Busting Time Table” is a stress management technique I found over at netdoctor.co.uk. Basically, you create a table with three columns:
- The first column lists one hour increments from the time you get up in the morning to the time you go to bed.
- In the second column you pencil in what you plan to do during each of those hours.
- Then in the third column you write down what you actually did.
At the end of the day you compare the last two columns so that you can assess where you’re overcrowding your day and expecting too much of yourself. In fact, I would add that you could also have a fourth column in which you can jot down how you feel as you’re performing each activity so that you can better identify stress triggers.
- What activities cause you the most stress?
- Are you underestimating how much time you need to complete each task?
- Are you spending too much time on tasks that don’t really need to get done or that someone else could do?
- Is there someone in particular who is present during times of high stress?
Eat Oranges
Eating oranges helps reduce stress because of their wealth of vitamin C. Studies suggest this vitamin can reduce levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, while strengthening the immune system. In a German study researchers subjected 120 people to a stressing event: a public speaking task combined with math problems. Half of those studied were given vitamin C and the other half were not. Signs of stress–such as elevated levels of cortisol and high blood pressure–were significantly greater in those who did not get the vitamin supplement. (Source).
Switch Brain Hemispheres
This is a technique suggested by Michael Kerr. As you know, for different activities we rely more heavily on either our left or right brain hemispheres. You can reduce stress by switching to an activity that uses the hemisphere of your brain that is not causing you stress.
For example, if the source of your stress is centered in the creative and emotional right hemisphere–you’re feeling depressed, anxious, worried or otherwise emotionally distraught–, then change to a task that requires more of your left hemisphere to kick in, such as filling out a sudoku puzzle, organizing, or performing some other task that requires linear, sequential thinking.
If the stress is a result of being time pressured or overworked, chances are your left brain hemisphere is stressed. In this case, do a right-brain activity, like engaging in play, playing a musical instrument, drawing, or engaging in some other creative pursuit.
Have a Handful of Pistachios
In a Penn State study researchers added pistachios to a healthy moderate-fat diet and investigated the effects on cardiovascular response. The nut was incorporated into the subjects’ diets and both psychological and physical stressors were then introduced.
The researchers found positive results with as little as 1 and 1/2 oz of pistachio added daily to the diet, which reduced the high blood pressure effects of stress. Consuming 3 oz of pistachios daily showed even greater relaxation of the arteries, thereby easing the workload on the heart. (Source).
The One Minute Miracle – Yoga for the Hands Ritual
“The One Minute Miracle”
Editor’s Note: A few people have sent me messages because they don’t see two dolphins in the picture. Um, it’s a dolphin and a cow (it’s a joke, since laughter is a great way to relieve stress). And for the record, I was also kind of worried at first when I saw the cow 
(Dolphin Stress Test courtesy of Tidewater Muse)
Related Posts:
- Stress Management: 25 Ways to Relieve Stress
- Five Amazing Stress-Busting Videos on YouTube
- Slow Down: 32 Ways to Start Now
- 100 Tips to Simplify Your Life
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