THIS WEEK'S ISSUE — Updated Every Monday!

melanie-fiona-universoul

Our foreign neighbor Canada is known for producing unforgettable musical talent like R&B singer/songwriter/actress Deborah Cox, who swore to us…

theres-just-something-about-gossip-part-1

In the world of gossip, talk ain’t cheap…

What is it about gossip that draws us in? Better yet, how many…

over-paid-reality-stars

The value system that our society maintains ceases to amaze me. In this crazy world of ours people who deal…

the-world-outside-our-borders

Sylvia Arthur sets out a few inspirational and enlightening facts to get your minds in gear to explore the big…

boy-crazy-how-to-tell-if-you%e2%80%99ve-got-it-bad

Ever since Rodney Parker chased me round the playground of P.S.139, past the teeter totter, through the sandbox, all up…

motivational-tips-that-every-young-career-woman-needs

Imagine this…

You’re headed home after a long drawn out lecture in your evening college class. Cruising down the highway in…

why-the-are-they-famous

A celebrity is a famous person.
A famous person is one who has a widespread reputation usually of a favorable nature.
A…

back-to-the-future-what-would-they-say

“No industry is black-owned. Actually, the (NBA) Player’s Association gets 49 percent of the revenue, since most players are black.…

the-colorful-canvas-files-bethann-hardison

This issue of The Colorful Canvas Files is brought to you by a living legend whose contributions have led to a significant…

are-you-a-jerk-magnet

Many of us set out to find that Mr. Right, but for some, he is always seemingly attached to some…

therapy-in-black-and-white

My shrink said the strangest thing to me in therapy once. She said she was sorry she’d monopolized so much…

november-2009-beauty-qa-home-for-the-holidays

Q: I am going back home for the holidays and want to wow my friends and family with a glamorous…

nia-long-in-progress

With Hollywood for years being a haven for the long-haired blond and brunette, it’s hard to be a sex symbol…

what-to-expect-when-dealing-with-the-racially-impaired

We’re only human and equally subject to the chronic brainwashing that inevitably instills varying degrees of bigotry. Racism, sexism, homophobia,…

times-are-hard-a-letter-to-my-girlfriend

Times are hard especially financially, however, my girlfriend does not seem to realize the whole world is undergoing something called…

change-we-still-believe-in

I remember exactly where I was that night that history was made. I was fast asleep in my bed and…

top-ten-trends-we-want-to-see-disappear

It was proven best in the fashionable documentary The September Issue, that Fall is the New Year’s of fashion. Fashion…

lights-camera-natural

I vividly remember the day I got my first relaxer. I was 7 years old, and there I sat in…

Uncovering Your Oasis. Securing Serenity in a Stress Filled World

Wednesday Oct 1, 2008 – By Sky Obercam

newclutchlogoblackThe reality is that it’s impossible to completely eliminate all stressors from our daily lives. From the highly unstable economy and skyrocketing costs of living, to the challenges of balancing work with parenthood—as well as a myriad of cultural obstacles—it can seem as though stressful conditions are ever-present. This is precisely why we must learn how to manage the strain and pressure of our daily lives—by any means necessary. Here’s a handful of effective techniques to help you free yourself of the crippling grip of stress:

Replenish The Spirit: Ancient practices such as meditation, tai chi and yoga are extremely effective in relieving stress. The benefits from these time-tested spiritual practices help to cultivate deep relaxation, which not only helps to alleviate stress, but also provides the tools to develop a lasting, deeper sense of calm.

Move Your Body: We store so much tension in our bodies. So what better way to release all that pent up stress than kinetically? Hands down, physical activity is an optimal way to reduce stress. Activities such as swimming, dancing, walking, and of course, sex, help to release all that toxic pressure we tend to let accumulate, and fester, in our bodies.

Nourish Your Mind: Curling up with a good book, or your favorite online magazine (hint hint), not only provides a measure of comfort, but it can help you to redirect your thoughts and let go of those negative brain waves.

Get Your Laugh On: Having a good old-fashioned laugh attack is a sure fire way to eradicate stress from your being, and the best part is, it’s absolutely free! Recalling a hilarious experience or engaging in a humorous discussion can transform your state of mind for the better. Next time you have a hearty laugh, notice how much lighter you feel afterwards. Laughter is nature’s cure for tension.

Audio Therapy: Have you ever been stuck in horrendous traffic, turned on the radio or popped in your favorite CD and felt your spirits take flight? Music has a special way of making tension dissipate. Here’s a tip: Arm yourself with your very own “Relaxation Remix” full of uplifting tunes to help keep the anxiety at bay.

Embrace Wellness: Adopting a healthy lifestyle is a fundamental step towards reducing stress. This includes maintaining a wholesome, balanced diet low in sugar and caffeine, getting adequate rest, and naturally, avoiding dependence on alcohol or drugs.

Reach out and Touch Someone: Misery loves company, so resist the urge to hang up under those who tend to enhance your sense of unrest, and spend time with upbeat folks who bring out the best in you. In addition, consider volunteering what little time you may be able to spare. Let the soothing energy of generosity wash all over you.

Have Fun & Explore: Whether you take a day trip, or quit your job and go globe-trekking for a year, there’s something incredibly restorative about an adventure.

Change your frame of mind: Albert Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. To create real change we must break the chains of our hard-wired conditioning and embrace new coping strategies. Try taking on a more optimistic, light-hearted approach towards life. Be kind to yourself. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

The means of reducing stress are as unique and varied as we are as individuals. Ultimately, The key is to uncover strategies that work best for you. So create an action plan, print it out, place it in your clutch, pin it to your dashboard, and affix it to your workspace. Consistency is a vital part of creating and sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Serenity is within your reach!

Related Tags: , ,

7 Comments – Add Yours

  1. Alma Alma says:

    How appropriate. Election season always gets me twisted, but this time, I’m really uptight!. I like idea of traveling, because if Barack doesn’t win, I’m outta here (lol)!

  2. kimabe kimabe says:

    That’s so bizarre! I was saying the same thing! What if Barack doesn’t win?, How long will I stay in the USA?
    But I’m also stressed about this job I hate and I want to leave and I feel like in this economy, one false move and then I’m a gonner….so I am actually taking accupunture once a week…sound body…sound mind

  3. Corey Mercabo Corey Mercabo says:

    Great tips, this is a stressful time for everyone. Just saw the debates. This has really motivated me to get on the path of a healthy stress free life.

  4. tremaine tremaine says:

    I think this is a great article and u have touched on a lot of points that most of us needed to read as well as implement into our daily lives.

  5. Jasmina Jasmina says:

    Great article. Thanks for this…it’s a reminder that we all need to make time to de-stress and enjoy ourselves.

  6. Erica Erica says:

    Great article. I need to do everything mentioned here. i sometimes let stress take over my life. sooooooo not good

Leave a Comment

  • We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.
  • Please keep comments related to topic.
  • Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

You are commenting as a Guest. Optional: Login below.

Twitter + Facebook Users
Enter your personal information in the form or sign in with your Twitter/Facebook account.

NEWS.GOSSIP.INFO — Daily Blog

aids-created-by-the-cia-whatchu-talkin-about-bugner

Much like a celebrity recycling dumpsite, UK reality show “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!” is rife with…

uptown-literati-x-clutch-weekly-reading-recommendation-11-20-09

A girl’s got to read, this all Clutchettes know. So, to help navigate the ever-expanding world of books, Uptown Literati…

clutch-celeb-beauty-tipshow-tos-how-to-transition-your-hair-from-relaxed-to-natural

Clutchettes – we know how important it is to be educated and informed on all things beauty. From eyelash application…

regina-kimbell-the-lady-behind-my-nappy-roots

By now most everyone has heard of the copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Filmmaker Regina Kimbell against Chris Rock/HBO, concerning…

la-liv-life-seven-bar-lounge-on-november-20th

LA: Liv Life @ Seven Bar & Lounge on Friday, November 20th from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. L.A. Clutchettes…

change-we-cant-believe-in-critical-racial-disparities-in-washington

Earlier this month, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, CREW, reported that the House Ethics Committee is currently investigating…