A few years ago I was in the midst of a divorce and custody battle. I was a full-time parent. And I was working overtime. Stress was high. I was feeling some fear and anxiety. So I went to see a psychiatrist, Dr. Fred. His prescription was a bit unexpected.
When I went to see the Dr. Fred, I expected that he was going to prescribe me some kind of anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medicine. He didn’t. What he did prescribe changed the way I look at stress, anxiety, and life.
I still use his prescription to this day. If you’re feeling a little stress or anxiety, I highly recommend it:
1. Sleep
Dr. Fred said that most adults don’t get enough sleep. A lack of sleep will increase your stress levels. More stress increases anxiety. He told me to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. He also suggested that I take naps whenever possible.
The doctor was right. When I’m feeling extra stress in life, I go to bed earlier and get a little extra sleep. It does wonders. If you’re not getting enough sleep, it could be part of the cause of your stress and anxiety.
2. Exercise
Okay, so exercise might be a little less unexpected, but it wasn’t an anti-anxiety medicine. Dr. Fred recommended at least an hour of moderate exercise each day.
I’ll admit, at that time I was slacking on my exercise routine. So I started back up. Something amazing happened. I felt stress disappear almost instantaneously. Until this day, whenever I feel excess stress and anxiety, rather than letting it overcome me, I work to overcome it through exercise.
Running, walking, weightlifting, karate, and many other types of exercise can help to relieve your stress.
3. Fun
“What?” I asked? “What do you mean by fun?” Dr Fred told me to do anything that I enjoyed. As long as I was having fun.
- Go to the park
- Watch comedy movies
- Play games
- Go hiking
- Explore new places
- Read
- Try a new hobby
- Whatever, as long as it’s fun
He explained, “If you’re having fun, you’ll be leaving your stress and anxiety behind.” He also explained that it’s good to have fun with other people. He’s right. Doing things that you truly enjoy will take your mind off your problems. This is especially true if you’re having fun with family and friends. Stress and anxiety are reduced.
Have you been having enough fun?
Say Goodbye To Stress And Anxiety
I know anxiety can be a powerful thing. I’ve dealt with some extreme anxiety in the past. I also know that we’re not all wired the same. For some, medication might be needed. But Dr. Fred’s prescription of sleep, exercise, and fun has done me good.
If you’re feeling more stress than usual, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Fred’s prescription.
Learn more about happiness and simple living in my free ebook, The Happiness Of Simple. Just click the link below to get started on your own simple-living journey.
