STRESS: Get to know one of our worst enemies & learn how to bust it!

When we are confronted with challenges and obstacles, we tend to be unsure, overwhelmed and pressured, our personal balance is somewhat disrupted. Stress is our body's response to the tension brought about by the environment or any uncomfortable circumstances.

What are the signs that you should watch out for? Increase in heart rate, high blood pressure, upset stomach, excessive sweating, tiredness, excessive worrying, irritability and restlessness, overeating or under eating, outburst of anger, inability to concentrate and perform activities of daily living effectively.

The cause of stress differs from one individual to another. But most of the time major changes in one's life can cause stress. Getting married, having another baby, moving to a different state, shifting careers can be stressful. But even in our daily lives, small stressors are present. Most moms and housewives are confronted with these types of stressors: Your kid screaming for 10 minutes refusing to be comforted, a 2 day old argument with your spouse, a chronically-ill grandparent, financial difficulties and exhausting household chores.

Here are some stress management techniques:

1. Be in good shape. It is important that you are physically, mentally and emotionally healthy to be able to cope with stress effectively. Eat good, drink lots of water, rest well and always keep a healthy self-esteem. Laugh a lot. Stay away from cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.


2. Identify your stressor. Evaluate it and decide whether it is something that you can avoid or it is something that you should address once and for all.

Example of stressors that you can avoid is an annoying neighbor who always compares her kids to yours. ( just say hi and be polite but avoid long conversation )

Example of stressors that should be addressed is your son's poor eating habit. Instead of everyday tensions on the dinner table every time he refuse to eat vegetables, try making sweet potato & carrot puree and mix it in his mac & cheese )

3. Learn to manipulate your environment. Take charge because you're the boss. But still be aware of the things that you cannot control and learn to deal with it. If everyday traffic stresses you out, have the option to take the longer route instead of taking the short cut with so much traffic. If going to the market is such an unpleasant chore, you can give your grocery list to your husband and let him do it in exchange of a chore that he himself despise.

4. Manage your time, lessen your stress. Most of the time poor time management causes the conflicts when it comes to doing your chores. It is wise to plan ahead, prioritize and know when to get help. If a big weekend visit from your in laws is coming up, don’t cram and do everything on the last minute. Break down the task by planning. Jot down what you want to cook on Monday. Clean up the guest room on Tuesday. Buy all the ingredients on Wednesday. Drop by your best friend’s place on Thursday, invite her and ask her to bake the chocolate cake for Saturday. Cut, peel and freeze the veggies & marinate the steak on Friday.Ask hubby to grill the steak on while you dress up the kids on Saturday. ( and when mom-in-law ask if there’s something she can bring, don’t be shy and tell them what else you need =))

5. Pamper yourself. Treat yourself like a queen. Get a massage, go to the spa, have your nails done, go shopping, and indulge in a luxurious bubble bath with nice music on. Do it in a regular basis.

6. Develop good relationship with significant people. Talk your stress out to a friend, take yoga classes with your sister or just take a walk with your husband and discuss how what's bothering you.

7. Get a hobby. Try gardening or cross stitching or simply curl up on a nice romantic novel. You can also go hiking and be close to nature.


Stay happy & stress-free folks!