We all have moments in time when we’re faced with a little bit (or a lot) of stress. It might be over our bills, the in-laws coming to visit, or whether or not to have Thai or Tapas for dinner. Regardless of what hits your stress button, it’s important to recognize when you’re stressed and what you can do to alleviate it.
According to MedicineNet.com, stress is simply forces of nature impacting us on an individual level. Those forces could be internal or external. External factors are our jobs, relationships, home life, etc. Internal factors are the way we deal with stress including our overall health and fitness.
When faced with a stressful situation, we have to realize two things:
- That we are experiencing stress
- The best way for us to handle stress
Here’s an example of why these are important: if you’re a person who gravitates toward comfort foods when you’re stressed, you want to know that so you can make sure you manage your food choices well during stressful situations.
While it’s tempting to just say ‘drink more wine‘ or ‘get a massage’, stress is a bit more complex than that. I’m all for a great glass of wine and a massage (and if you can manage both at the same time…I say go for it) but you can’t always leave what you’re doing for such distractions.
So, I’d like to leave you with my own personal stress relief tip. Works every time. Ready?
The next time you’re stressed, grab an assorted handful of Jelly Belly jellybeans. (NOTE: this only works with Jelly Belly brand). Close the door. Put a few JBs on your desk. Now close your eyes and eat one. Try to guess the flavor. (That’s why it only works with Jelly Belly brand.) Repeat about 5 times.
By the time you finish the fifth one, you’ll be so completely engrossed in this taste bud exercise that you’ll have forgotten about your stress. (Disclaimer: stress relief by use of jellybeans has not been endorsed by the Surgeon General, has not been proven to offer long-term therapeutic properties, and may not be appropriate for all stress-related situations.)
That being said, Jelly Belly therapy is a pretty effective way to help put those nagging annoyances behind you so you can get on with the rest of your day.
And, before you say I’m crazy…try it. It really works!
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Hi! I'm Sharlyn Lauby, an HR pro turned consultant. I created the HR Bartender blog so people would have a friendly place to discuss workplace issues. And since, over the years, I've developed an appreciation for the culinary arts (translation: I'm a Foodie) you'll see some of that here too. So, pull up a stool and order your favorite drink . . . the bar is always open.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Great idea! Jelly Belly meditation. First reaction: lot of stress, start with 40-50 beans… ; – )
LOL. Good thought but be careful, George . . . where do you go from there?
To the bean bag, of course!
Great idea – Stress relief and an afternoon snack all in one! Now, the only problem I’m having is convincing the boss to stock the office supply cabinet with bags of Jelly Bellys …
Love this idea! Will look forward to trying it out. I also love Dr. Weil’s breathing exercises. I posted an entry about his 4-7-8 technique on my blog.. You can find this if you google “Katie Read Enjoy the Journey” – It really works!