The above is an excerpt of the “Rationalization of Jacki’s Brain”. Ironically, this same excerpt has been found in many entrepreneurial brains like yours and comes from the rationalization that we are bigger and badder than the day to day adrenalin pumping stress that we face. Really – how much stress can making candles be? How much stress can come from sitting behind a counter waiting for a customer to come in? How much stress can come from shopping for goodness sake! Everyone loves to shop!

Preparing for this short article, I looked up the causes and symptoms of stress. It comes down to anything that triggers your adrenalin is a cause of stress. Every time you worry, fret, fuss, diet, have a messy house, are over tired, complain, let alone want to cry, you are adding to your stress. It seems unending some days and that just makes you even more stressed! AAUUUGGGHHH!!! The first step in dealing with your stress is admitting you ARE stressed before you blow. The tendency is to take it to the wall, but then that just creates more problems – even physical health problems.

High Blood pressure, weight gain or loss, headaches, ulcers, stomach and intestine problems, shingles, hives, body pains, insomnia, exhaustion, mental fatigue are just at the top of the list of the psychical symptoms of stress, not to forget the emotional aspects and mood changes. Spiritually you are more vulnerable when you are stressed. Don’t ignore your body and its needs. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself first and you will relieve a lot of those stress symptoms as well as the stress.

When your stress is high, your body dumps adrenalin into your system, if you never burn that up, it can do damage. Exercising, taking a walk, laughing hysterically, deep breathing, dancing are some of the ways to burn that off. I have several friends in 12 step groups and I envy them in their weekly gathering and proven methods of working through their stress.

Below is a list I found on womenshealth.gov, I added a few points (and candles) of my own to help you through the relief of your stress.

• Relax. (DDM Clearing Moon, BHC Heart) It’s important to unwind. Each person has her own way to relax. Some ways include deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and massage therapy. If you can’t do these things, take a few minutes to sit, listen to soothing music, or read a book.
• Make time for yourself. (WM Kwan Yin, BHC Female Energies) It’s important to care for yourself. Think of this as an order from your doctor, so you don’t feel guilty! No matter how busy you are, you can try to set aside at least 15 minutes each day in your schedule to do something for yourself, like taking a bubble bath, going for a walk, or calling a friend.
• Sleep. ( MCHD Tranquil Home Candle, BHC Heart, WM Peace Candle) Sleeping is a great way to help both your body and mind. Your stress could get worse if you don’t get enough sleep. You also can’t fight off sickness as well when you sleep poorly. With enough sleep, you can tackle your problems better and lower your risk for illness. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
• Eat right. (BHC Stability, WM Sacred Temple, BHC Sacred Space) Try to fuel up with fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Good sources of protein can be peanut butter, chicken, or tuna salad. Eat whole-grains, such as wheat breads and wheat crackers. Don’t be fooled by the jolt you get from caffeine or sugar. Your energy will wear off.
• Get moving. (BHC Energy & Will, WB Dragon’s Blood, MCHD Road Opener) Believe it or not, getting physical activity not only helps relieve your tense muscles, but helps your mood too! Your body makes certain chemicals, called endorphins, before and after you work out. They relieve stress and improve your mood.
• Talk to friends. (QS Good Friend, MCHD Crown of Glory, BHC Emotional Balance) Talk to your friends to help you work through your stress. Friends are good listeners. Finding someone who will let you talk freely about your problems and feelings without judging you does a world of good. It also helps to hear a different point of view. Friends will remind you that you’re not alone.
• Get help from a professional if you need it. (WM Sacred White Sage and Sweet Grass, WM Kwan Yin, BHC Inner Balance and Emotional Balance)Talk to a therapist. A therapist can help you work through stress and find better ways to deal with problems. For more serious stress related disorders, like PTSD, therapy can be helpful. There also are medications that can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety and help promote sleep.
• Compromise. (BHC Inner Balance and Emotional Balance, AF Intuition )Sometimes, it’s not always worth the stress to argue. Give in once in awhile.
• Write down your thoughts. (MCHD Helping Hand, 4 Winds of Protection and Spiritual Cleansing, BHC Inspiration and Spiritual Cleansing) Have you ever typed an email to a friend about your lousy day and felt better afterward? Why not grab a pen and paper and write down what’s going on in your life! Keeping a journal can be a great way to get things off your chest and work through issues. Later, you can go back and read through your journal and see how you’ve made progress!
• Help others.(MCHD Helping Hand) Helping someone else can help you. Help your neighbor, or volunteer in your community.
• Get a hobby. (MCDH Crown of Glory) Find something you enjoy. Make sure to give yourself time to explore your interests.
• Set limits. (BHC Stability or Male Energies, MCHD Cleo Mae oil) When it comes to things like work and family, figure out what you can really do. There are only so many hours in the day. Set limits with yourself and others. Don’t be afraid to say NO to requests for your time and energy.
• Plan your time. (BHC Inner Balance, MCHD Self Made) Think ahead about how you’re going to spend your time. Write a to-do list. Figure out what’s most important to do.
• Don’t deal with stress in unhealthy ways. (BHC Spiritual Cleansing, Emotional Balance, MCHD Spiritual Cleansing, Uncrossing) This includes drinking too much alcohol, using drugs, smoking, or overeating.

Just remember, you and your stress are in good company. Just this week I was diagnosed with a stress related illness and I am changing my stressful ways! Let me know how you are doing with your stress free changes.

Keep it light and keep laughing!