Hate stress but appreciate acrostics? Here is an acrostic for you that could be helpful for remembering what to do to alleviate stress.

Sometimes, just realizing that you are experiencing stress is half the battle. If you are feeling lousy, you might start with an assumption that you are stressed. So here it is:

S – Sunshine and fresh air

Often times, I find that a walk in the sunshine does me good. It seems to have a calming effect on my nervous system. Many Doctors point out the benefits of some sunshine. Your body manufactures Vitamin D by virtue of exposure to sunshine. Some Doctors advocate that you use sun-tanning equipment to get some of the benefit you’d otherwise enjoy from direct sunlight. That could be helpful if your schedule or climate doesn’t permit you time for exposure to the sun.

T – Time with God

Even if you aren’t particularly religious, I still think there is great benefit to being in nature or otherwise quieting yourself from your cares.

R – Rest from your work

Personally, I am a Sabbatarian, so I definitely rest from my work and I can’t imagine going through my life doing anything different. The benefits to my health have been immeasurable. By nature, I am a Can-Do, Don’t-Quit kind of guy, which would have killed me early had I not discovered the blessing of rest. I should note that I am not resting only for resting’s sake; I am resting so that I have time to spend with my Creator. That gives great meaning and blessing to my time of rest.

E – Eat healthy and exercise

I suppose we have all heard this many times. Those who are concerned for their health probably never grow tired of hearing it again. Those who have yet to face a health problem will remember these words only when they face a crisis. So much could be said on this topic, that I simply won’t even get started except to say that you should read the label of anything and everything you eat. And stop eating sugar. Sugar is a lie. Sure it tastes good, but it wreaks havoc on your body.

S – Six to Eight glasses of water per day

Good clean water. Go for reverse osmosis purified water if you can. Get the cleanest water you can get. Remember too that not all bottled water is created equal. The bottled water industry is not well regulated. Actually it has been said that your tap water is far better regulated than bottled water.

S – Sleep

And that is a good way to end each day, with a restful night’s sleep. Make sure you are comfortable, make it as dark as possible. Keep the lights off if at all possible – even if you need to make a pit stop at midnight. If you need to invest money in a good mattress, by all means do so. If you add up all the nights of peaceful rest you intend to enjoy, it will be well worth the investment.

So there you have it. An acrostic to help you de-STRESS.

Copyright 2007 Thomas Mayhew

About the Author

Thomas Mayhew is the Webmaster for Crimson Books. Since going through a death-defying health experience (in 2005), he has taken a keen interest in sharing his health knowledge with others, personally and in a larger forum. You can contact Thomas directly at info@crimsonbooks.com.

Tags: stress management

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