Stressbusters Part I

Almost everyone have heard the hit single 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' by Bobby McFerrin. The song has a very catchy way of conveying its message of being happy to everyone. Bobby Mcferrin's simple message surely made a lot of people by telling them not to worry.

Living a happy, resilient and optimistic life is wonderful, and is also good for your health. Being happy actually protects you from the stresses of life. Stress is linked to top causes of death such as heart disease, cancer and stroke.

We've asked some of the top experts in the U.S. to share their thoughts.

A lot of my clients feel under tremendous pressure to do too many "things". Prioritize and do the most important, leaving what can be done at another time for another time. I recommend a variety of stress busters such as meditation (Jon Kabat Zinn, Ph.D. has great CDs on different meditation exercises); regular exercise is a definite plus and gives us more energy and gets those endorphins going; making time to be with friends, putting aside the notion that you "should" be doing the "things" on your list (they´ll still be there); engaging in "self-soothing" behaviors such as taking a walk, a long bath, reading a chapter in a novel, go to a museum/art gallery, spend a few minutes reviewing how fortunate you are and all that you´ve accomplished thus far in life.

Audrey M. Hering, Ph.D.

Since you specify that you want input from Psychologists, I would like to clarify my credentials to make certain that I fit your criteria. I am a licensed professional counselor, not a psychologist. I have a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.

The following are my Top 3 Tips for Stress Reduction:

1. Breathe. Focus on the exhale ... and take slow, deep breaths. As you exhale, release all tension and tightness, all pressure and worry, all upset and stress. As you inhale, breathe in calm and peace. Repeat -- with mindfulness -- for a total of 15 slow, deep breaths.

2. For perspective, use an affirmative statement -- for example,

a) How much will this matter in a week? or

b) This will work out; it will be part of the past soon. or

c) I will be OK and will soon be past this, too.

3. Pay attention to getting more sleep. During a time of stress, even more than at other times, the mind-body complex needs the restorative benefits of sleep.

Marlene Shiple, Ph.D.

he Best Way to Reduce Stress

1) When you take your morning and afternoon coffee break, sit down in a quiet place, close your eyes and imagine yourself in an cool but comfortable elevator. Imagine the elevator going down slowly from floor to floor and you becoming more and more relaxed as it reaches the next floor. When it gets to the lobby, open your eyes and walk out...........refreshed and stress free.

2) When you feel yourself getting stressed, take a deep breath, hold it to the count of 10.........and let your breath out to the count of 20 imagining that any and all stress is coming out of your body with the breath.

3) Take a walk ..............as long and as often as you can..........nothing reduces stress as much as exercise and why not include time with a family member or your pet when you are exercising and enjoying the wonderful world around you.

Dr. Sandy Finestone

Take three deep cleansing breaths: long deep inhale, long deep exhale.

Take time to consider options before acting.

Confide in one trusted person.

Maureen E. Lyon, Ph. D.

How to Master Stress

Get Organized

Put important things first. This is the habit of self-management. It involves organizing and managing time and events around personal priorities. Develop clear values and a powerful sense of purpose.

Rehearse

Being prepared reduces stress. When you're facing a situation that you know will be stressful to you, rehearse either mentally or with a friend. Anticipate what might occur and plan your response.

Do It Now

Procrastination breeds stress! Do your most difficult task at the beginning of the day when you're fresh; avoid the stress of dreading it all day.

Dr. Maynard Brusman