to others, but to yourself as well. Nurturing relationships lends itself to creating a support system that may be needed in times of extreme stress.
8. Get a regular massage - The act of giving and receiving a massage increases the production of oxytocin and other hormones that promote relaxation. It also reduces the production of stress hormones. Massage therapy increases blood and lymph circulation and promotes the elimination of toxins that accumulate in the body during stress.
Above all remember to be patient with yourself and others. The stress you feel is often relative to how you perceive the world around you.
To quote the Dalai Lama, "If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to
worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then also there is no need to worry."
Benjamin, Patricia J. "Massage in the Age of Aquarius: The Pivotal Decade of the 1970s." A Look Back. American Massage Therapy Association, 2001. Web. 6 Jul 2010. http://www.amtamassage.org/journal/win02/alookback.html.
Rosch, Paul, MD, FACP. "Reminiscences of Hans Selye, and the Birth of 'Stress.'" American Institute of Stress, n.d. Web. 6 Jul 2010. .
Selye, Hans, MD, PhD, DSc. The Stress of Life. 2nd. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1956, 1978. Print.
"Stress Prevention with Healthy Lifestyle Choices." Gentle Stress Relief for Peace, Health & Happiness. Gentle-Stress-Relief.com, 14 June 2010. Web. 1 Jul 2010. http://www.gentle stress-relief.com/stress-prevention.html.