Guest guest Posted July 19, 2009 Report Share Posted July 19, 2009 15 Low Cost Ways to Beat Stress Posted: 16 Jul 2009 04:00 PM PDTBy Frugal <http://www.wisebread.com/user/frugal-duchess> Duchess relaxing view of the oceanEmotional spending and expensive junk food binges -- budget busters -- areoften triggered by stress. Here are a few ideas for diminishing stresswithout spending a lot of money.1. Cup of tea A hot cup of tea is a low-calorie comfort food. Additionally, the process offixing a cup of tea is a ritual that can halt negative worry cycles. Evensipping coffee can have a calming effect. A Harvard study about coffeedrinking habits is quoted in a February 2008 issue of Woman's Worldmagazine. The survey findings: coffee drinkers are "less likely to beseriously depressed than non-coffee drinkers," according to Woman's World.2. Repetitive ActivitiesSewing, knitting, puzzle solving are a few activities that lower bloodpressure and liberate us from the stress chamber. Boggle, jigsaw puzzles andother problem-solving puzzles can provide short-term relief from anxieties.Sometimes, I stumble upon the answer to a pressing problem while tinkeringaround with a puzzle or a word game.3. HousekeepingWashing dishes, sweeping the floor and other house-cleaning chores releasepressure. Ironing out wrinkles from a shirt or skirt can also releasetension. Cleaning can be a form of meditation. Deleting email files also hasa soothing effect.4. Music breakClassical music, in particular, can be very calming, according to Woman'sWorld magazine: "Oxford University scientists say listening [to classicalmusic] can decrease your heartbeat to a meditative, relaxing rate almostinstantly."5. WritePicking up a pen to write a letter, a journal entry or a short note may helpto break the negative spin cycle.6. Exercise Dancing, walking, running and stretching release tension stored in muscles.7. Make a listCreating a list (blessings, groceries needed, tasks to be completed or otheragendas) gives me a feeling of control. With a greater sense of control, Ifeel more relaxed and more productive.8. Do a good deedDoing something nice for someone else helps me to be less self-centered andin the process, I move far beyond inner circles of worry.9. Take small stepsBreaking a large project into smaller goals can make the task seem lessoverwhelming and more do-able.10. DIY aromatherapySmall bottles of fragrant essential oils --lavender, grapefruit and otherscents -- provide an anti-depression lift.12. Toss out clothingPurging the wardrobe provides a mental purge as well. It's like clearingspace on the computer hard drive. Donate the extra clothing to charity andget a tax deduction.13. Color or doodle Test-phobic children should doodle a bit to relax before taking a test,according to one research report. The process may also work for adults.14. Read A novel or a poem can provide a lift into a stress-free zone. Even a shortreading break helps me snap out of a funk.15. Take a short napFatigue is often the enemy. Many corporate rainmakers use short daily naps--5 to 20 minutes -- as a profit-producing tool. The logic: a well-restedmind is a revenue-producing mind. An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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