by Caroline Tigeress

Created on: July 05, 2009   Last Updated: July 06, 2009

Stress has been described as the desperate urge to strangle someone who needs it, and not being able to do so. It seems a very fair definition, and upon examination provides us with one of the best ways of dealing with stress.

Humor, of course.

When we smile and laugh, a chemical process occurs in our brain. Endorphins are released, which of course trigger the pleasure centers of our brain, and our stress disappears. Poof. Gone.

Therefore, now that we understand the biological processes behind how to defeat stress, we can now examine the various methods used to combat and minimize stress.

Obviously, a good joke, listening to music, a well enjoyed comedic routine; all of these things will trip it.

However, to really minimize negative stress, that is the stress of that driver that just cut you off, one has to understand what you can and cannot control.

How much of your life is in your hands?

Can you control your jerk boss? No.

Can you control your spouse who had a fight with their parents? No.

What you can do is control yourself and learn to pick your battles.

Easy strategies include controlling your environment. Simply decorating your surroundings with comforting things can make a huge difference. Having a good source of music can really reduce your stress. It can also serve as a sensory immersion device as well.

Consistent exercise has been proven to also allow you to manage stress as well. There is something very healthy about going to that dance class, or lifting weights.

One of the greatest men of our time, Fred Rodgers, exercised nearly every day by swimming and then having an afternoon nap. Prayer was also a very important part of his life as well. When we incorporate prayer and faith into our lives, it also can destroy stress, and in fact keep it from occurring.

No one can prevent all stress, nor should we. Stress is much like fear and pain, and should be used as a warning marker that certain processes are happening and to pay attention. These are where people can get very confused, and go off track.

This is where as people we need to take a few steps back and look critically at the situation that is creating stress. Figure out what we can do, how we can control it, take charge and empower ourselves and those around us.

By taking charge, understanding what we can and cannot control, physical exercise and good eating and resting habits we can minimize stress, and make the times that when we do have stress far more manageable.

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