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Hobbies Stress Relief

Certain levels of stress are common today. But it is essential that the levels of stress be managed adequately and in time to avoid health problems that it can cause. While symptoms of stress may vary from person to person, continued stress can cause symptoms such as hypertension, anxiety, compulsive eating disorders, insomnia and a weakening of the immune system. Even higher levels can result in physical ailments like stomach ulcers, hair loss, high cholesterol, hormonal imbalances and even total burnout.

The first thing that one needs to appreciate is that there is some sort of stress management required. Denial of medium stress can lead to a situation where stress may hit you all of a sudden. Once there is an acceptance of the fact that stress needs to be managed, there are various techniques to cope with stress. Mild to medium stress does not require you to visit a doctor since there are many ways to deal it.

Here are 10 sure-fire ways to deal with stress:

1. Take frequent breaks from work - If you are working too hard, ensuring that you take a few minutes off every other hour is a good idea. Make sure that during the break time you do not discuss work with anyone and just sit back and close your eyes for ten minutes. Such short breaks are extremely recuperating. Initially you may feel uneasy since you have pending work lying on the table but if you learn to relax you will find that you are far more efficient after the break.

2. Reduce caffeine intake - Caffeine is a stimulant and even though it may seem that it helps you fight stress situations by keeping you more alert and ready, it is harmful in the long run. Don't resort to a cup of coffee in each break that you have. Opt for green tea in case you need to drink something.

3. Learn to say no - There are some people who just cannot say 'no' when they are asked for help. There are others still who seem to have a habit of steeping forward and taking on more work than they can possibly achieve at a specific time. Just because you feel that you can achieve something does not mean that you should take it on personally. After all there are only a certain number of hours in a day and you do need to adjust sleeping time, relaxation time and time for yourself and family in the same number of hours.

4. Exercise - Releasing some of the pent up energy that you have aids in relaxing the body and mind. Not only is exercise good for stress reduction, it keeps you in shape as well and makes you feel better about yourself. Exercise for about half an hour in the morning can leave you fresh and geared up to face the challenges of the day. The same time spent in the evening can help you get a good night's sleep.

5. Ensure adequate sleep - A sleep deprived person cannot perform in an optimized manner. There are obvious lapses that are likely to take place and these lapses at work or at home create situations that cause further stress. An eight hour sleep routine is a 'must', no matter the amount of work that you have pending!

6. Have fun - Sometimes we get so bogged down with the schedules and circadian of daily life that we forget to have fun. Laughter is indeed the best medicine for any issue and that holds for stress too. Try and watch movies and shows that are funny. Even slapstick comedy can engulf you in throws of laughter; something that is beneficial for your mental state and physical health.

7. Spend time with friends - Ensure that you take out some time for your friends. Speaking to people whom you can confide in is a great stress reliever. All of us have at some point or another felt easy after downloading a painful, irritating or frustrating event onto a friend.

8. Meditation - Meditation helps you to stay grounded and live in the moment. Majority of the stress that body encounters is not due to the situation as such but how we perceive it. Different people may react differently to a stressful situation. When you meditate regularly, you tend to develop lot of insight and a detached attitude. As a result, things that used to cause lot of stress earlier, may seem frivolous to you. As a result, you tend to become more calm and relaxed.

9. Eat well - A healthy body is more capable of handling stress than a fatigued or ailing body. Ensure that you consume a balanced diet and avoid indulging in fast foods and other foods that add to the toxicity of the body. Other than the quantity and quality of the food, the manner in which you consume food is also important. Ensure that you eat slowly and in a relaxed state of mind.

10. Adopt a hobby - Hobbies can be a great way to relieve stress. They are activities that you can do without the constant fear of someone evaluating you or being critical of you (as may be the case at work). While hobbies like listening to music and reading will take your mind of your worries, creative hobbies like painting, gardening and the like can help in increasing your self esteem too.

Stress is like a leaking tap. The earlier you attend to it, the better. Leaving it unattended will only make the matter worse. Sincerely following some, if not all of the above techniques is guaranteed to reduce your stress levels and prevent further complications.

Vishal P. Rao is the founder of the Stress Management Forum, a friendly online discussion forum where you can share and get tips and strategies to manage stress.

I need some help persuading my parents.?

Here's my problem

On friday nights I go and play Magic the Gathering. The tournament usually ends late, from 8-12. My parents don't like the idea that I have to drive home that late. How can I persuade my parents to let my play magic late.

My argument:
* I'm 18 years old (Senior in HS)
* I'm responsible (I'm taking 6 Ap classes)
* I'm a careful driver
* Magic is a stress relief

Magic the Gathering is like my only hobby. I study all the time. My parents can be a bit stubborn.

Any ideas?

First off, there are a lot worse things you could be doing than playing MTG on friday nights. Driving home late friday night drunk from the bar, rather than sober, coming home from a fun night at FNM is completely different.

Also point out that MTG is a game based completely on strategy, it makes you think, and is all around good for your brain. Remember, Richard Garfield, the creator of the game, is a freakin' mathematician! He created the game based on the use of mathematics! Also, card names were originally selected to expand people's vocabulary! Words like viscera, hegemon, behemoth, voracious, and benediction don't see much use in common day vernacular. However, reading and saying them every friday ingrains them into your head. Soon, you'll find that you use words you learned from Magic: The Gathering in your everyday life!

So, in a way, rather than partying all night on friday, you're instead going, having fun with friends, and LEARNING while you do it!

Besides, everybody knows that belonging to a club or organization is an important part of everybody's life. Some of the most interesting people you meet, you'll meet across a table on a Friday night.

Nathan, DCI Rules Advisor

SIMON LEACH POTTERY - Visit to Jack Troy's pottery just outside Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.

 

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