29 Ways To Combat Stress
Causes and Remedies
My diet is not the only change I made on my journey to health. Other than adding a ketovore lifestyle, this is one area that needed to shift if my overall wellbeing was going to improve.
Stress is intangible, and not something we can see or touch, so the majority of us don’t take it that seriously. It’s funny how something invisible could be the number one cause of death on earth.
How is stress the leading cause of death? Because study after study has shown that stress has been responsible for the majority of the leading killers of humanity. Most people don’t realize that if we allow the things that affect us emotionally to take us over, it will eventually affect us physically as well.
A list of illnesses that have resulted from stress:
Cancer
Sleep Disorders
Heart Attacks
Strokes
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Viruses and Infections
Respiratory Problems
Depression
Suicide
This list is sobering. Doctors would likely tell you that the solution to any of the above illnesses (except for the last one obviously) would be drugs or surgery, but I’m not going to do that. Wouldn’t it be far wiser to address the source of the problem instead of the symptoms?
Causes of Stress
Doctors are aware that stress causes much illness, but they still want to give us a pill or cut us open to fix the issue. There are remedies to stress. But let’s take it a step further—what causes stress? Here is a list of sources of stress I have gathered:
Work (Waude, 2016):
Disillusionment with one’s position; dealing with volatile bosses and/or coworkers; performance pressures; physical challenges; burn out.
Self-Image (Waude, 2016):
Not good enough; not attractive enough; not thin enough; not as good as our counterparts; losing our youthfulness.
Health:
Sometimes the connection between health and stress becomes a vicious cycle; health problems cause stress, and in turn, stress causes health problems.
Traumatic Experiences (Waude, 2016):
A break up or rejection; failure; social unacceptance; a physical attack on your person; a car accident; a termination of employment.
Finances:
Debt; a need for more; a desire to have more; comparing financial situation to that of others.
Loss:
I know I could have put this one under traumatic experience, but the loss of a loved one deserves a category all its own. This is a tough one for all of us; when we lose someone close to us, it tends to leave a void in our lives, leaving us forever changed. It doesn’t need any more explanation than that.
Relationships (Waude, 2016):
Spouses; friends; children; parents; relatives—who hasn’t had a volatile, unstable, or disappointing relationship within one of these groups of people? If you haven’t, you might be the volatile, unstable, or disappointing one in your relationships.
Change (Waude, 2016):
From a new house, to a new child, to a new job, or a disruption of any of the above stress causers—big changes to one’s life can most definitely cause considerable amounts of stress.
How to Combat Stress
Now that we’ve discussed the origins and the effects of stress, let’s talk about what can be done about it. Here are some ways to de-stress:
1) Exercise:
Keep it light. Heavy exercise can actually have the reverse effect, and contrary to popular belief, can be harmful and take a toll on your body.
2) Reading:
There is something about curling up with a good book. I like the house nice and cool, so I can get under the softest throw blanket, and make my favorite hot tea or coffee. All the tech devices are off, and there’s nothing but the sounds of birds chirping outside—or if I’m lucky, some rain hitting the roof!
3) Sleep:
There is almost nothing more important than getting sufficient rest. Not only your stress level, but your very life depends on how well you sleep. So whether you have to turn off all the noise makers in the house, or buy the most expensive bed, or put your foot down with your spouse or kids—make it happen.
4) Nature:
Many people find it thoroughly relaxing to go out into nature. Whether you’re hiking, fishing, biking, camping, boating, bird-watching, star-gazing, or otherwise, it is a good bet that you won’t return home in the same state you left.
5) Journaling:
Write it down. However you are feeling, and whatever you are going through in your life—tell it to your journal. Many people have found journaling to be very therapeutic, and have described it as a way to release the problems, while leaving them on the piece of paper. Bonus: write down all you are thankful for—it can be restorative to the soul.
6) The Beach:
Is there a shoreline not too far away from where you live? Does it have sand? Is it warm outside? Do you own a swimsuit? Yes? Then just go! And don’t forget the cooler!
7) Prayer:
Not everyone is going to agree with me on this, but as a follower of Jesus Christ, I must include this one. God Almighty is the bringer of perfect peace. Talk to Him; He is listening. I will leave it at that.
8) A Hot Bath:
You can do this by turning off the lights, lighting some candles, adding some bubbles, turning on some music, and grabbing your fave beverage. As a precaution, you might add a sign to the door that says ‘GO AWAY; RELAXATION IN PROGRESS.’
9) Vacation:
So, this might seem like an obvious one, but hey—some of you people need a little nudge! I’m talking to you, workaholic! You know who you are! Stop working and go somewhere!
10) Painting:
Many people have found it profoundly relaxing to put paintbrush to canvas, and are surprised to find their inner artist. If you are new to painting, start small with some inexpensive brushes, paint, easel, and canvases. YouTube and Pinterest have a wealth of videos on how to paint; visit either for some inspiration.
11) Staycation:
This one is related to Vacation, but it’s for those folks who are unable to venture too far from home, yet still need to get away. Some people like to find a nearby hotel and stay over for the weekend; it is surprisingly therapeutic and fun. You can sleep in a fresh new place, sit by the pool, eat out, or stay in and watch TV and order room service.
12) Movie Binge:
Stay in your pajamas, with hair up in a sloppy bun, and pick out several of your favorite chick flicks (or whatever you’re into). Make sure there is chocolate nearby.
13) Take a nap:
In the middle of the day, stop what you are doing (if you’re able) and go take a long, restful nap.
14) Gardening:
I am actually jealous of people who find such relaxation doing this particular activity. I am generally too concerned with spiders to relax while gardening. Hopefully you are not a sissy-lala like me.
15) Buy a Pet:
It is widely known that animals can bring warmth to one’s life. Dogs and cats are often used to comfort the elderly or the ailing. Pets are not for everyone, as they require love and care a lot like people. So, if you’re not in a position to keep a pet, go and borrow someone else’s for an occasional snuggle.
16) Start a Project:
Is there something you always wanted to do? Learn sculpting, woodworking, knitting, or needlepoint? Or perhaps you’ve always thought of writing a book, or learning sign language, or making lamps. Whatever it is—just begin. You can find out how to do almost anything on YouTube and Pinterest.
17) Intimacy:
I know—totally the best one on the list. Hello? However, I am going to qualify this one with a ‘with your spouse’ since I am a Christ follower. This particular activity is good for all parties involved, and the benefits are numerous. We can leave it at that.
18) Photography:
Some people have accidentally stumbled upon this pastime and discovered its ability to reduce stress levels. Be bold; pick up your camera and see what happens.
19) Swimming:
One of the best ways to relax while getting your body moving is swimming; it’s low impact and easy on the joints.
20) Say NO:
Some of us have a hard time telling people no. It’s great to be a friendly and helpful person, but sometimes we have to put our own health first. Think of it this way: If you take care of yourself, you can continue to take care of others.
21) Baking:
Do you enjoy baking? Make your favorite treat—or better yet, invite a girlfriend over and bake something together while enjoying one another’s company. And then for good measure—drop off part of what you baked at a neighbor’s in a colorful basket or package.
22) Organize Your Stuff:
De-clutter; have a garage sale; rearrange furniture; paint a room. This is one of my favorite things to do. It is so freeing to get rid of stuff, beautify your surroundings, and simplify your life.
23) Road Trip:
Grab your significant other, fill up a cooler, grab your hats, your books, the dogs, and go for a long drive. Enjoy exploring dirt roads you’ve never traveled down, and pause in front of some peaceful body of water, or stop at some hole-in-the-wall restaurant for lunch.
24) Junk-Storing:
I used to go ‘junk-storing’ with my mom when she was alive—which simply means that we were shopping at thrift stores. It was always such a relaxing day, and we seldom over-spent because all of our purchases rarely seemed to exceed twenty bucks!
25) Be Alone:
I am an introvert, so I enjoy being alone more than many people; it is how I recharge. And I know that extroverts have a need to be around a lot of people—it is how many of them recharge. But I imagine that even extroverts need some time to be by themselves every now and again.
26) Coloring:
Yes, I am a grown-up and still color. I have several ‘adult’ coloring books, and even a couple of kid ones, and I am not ashamed. I do prefer colored pencils and pens to crayons, but if I do happen upon a small child coloring with crayons, I have been known to join them.
27) Gather Around the Fire pit:
If you don’t have a fire pit, then buy one, build one, or whatever. Then invite your favorite people over and roast marshmallows and make s’mores.
28) Start a Blog:
If you are not averse to writing, and there is a topic you are very knowledgeable about, write about it. Just make sure you actually enjoy the topic—if it isn’t something you like discussing, your blog won’t make it very far.
29) She Shed / Man Cave / Relax Room:
If you have the means, create a room just for the purpose of relaxing. Fill this room with your favorite things; decorate it with your favorite colors. Tell everyone that it’s your room, and that if they won’t allow you to have it, then you will go completely nuts-crazy and take them all with you. :)
I want to reiterate the importance of a keto, ketovore, carnivore, (or low-carbohydrate) lifestyle. I wasn’t even aware of how lousy my mood was, nor how snappish I was until I wasn’t anymore—all due to a ketovore lifestyle. To learn what foods to eat and how to get and stay healthy, read ‘Eating Fat Does Not Make You Fat’ and ‘My Good and Bad Foods List’.
I’m sure I missed some good options for de-stressing. See how many ideas you can come up with, and then get your relax on! God bless you on your journey to health and wholeness. Don’t just live, but thrive.
~Spring Dalton
Sources:
Waude, A. (2016, April 04). 10 Sources Of Stress (and How To Avoid Them). Retrieved June 4, 2019, from https://www.psychologistworld.com/stress/ten-causes-of-stress-how-to-avoid-them
Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter does not substitute or replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always consult with a physician or health-care professional if you ever have concerns or questions about your health. The use of any information found in this newsletter or any of the content within Ketovore with Spring is solely at your own risk.
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