8 Ways to Beat Stress in Manalapan in 2013

2013 will bring lots of New Year's resolutions, and the stress of keeping them up along with it.  

Dr. Megan Hood, a clinical psychologist with an expertise in stress management at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center, said trying to attain a more stress-free existence is a pretty popular goal around the holidays and the new year.

But staying away from stress is not as simple as making a New Year’s Eve wish.

“That tends to be a common goal, a nice broad goal,” Hood said. “But it also tends to be challenging.”

Still, Hood has some tips to keep stress at bay.

• Enjoy the moment. Don’t always rush ahead to the next thing, Hood cautions. Take a second to just enjoy the small things in life: a catchy song playing, a nice smell or something positive going on around you.
• Plan ahead—when you can. Having plans and maintaining schedules is a good thing, but make your goals manageable and realistic, and don’t worry about anything out of your control, Hood says.
• Be active. Plan an activity with your family that doesn’t involve vegging out on the couch, Hood advises. Head on over to the Manalapan Recreation Center or bring the pooch to the Manalapan Township Dog Park at Thompson Grove Park to run around! Take a tour of the Monmouth Battlefield State Park to get some exercise and soak in some history. 
• Have healthy snacks available. In accordance with your overall health, be sure to eat foods that are good for you, especially after splurging on holiday food.
• Do something that makes you feel good. The holidays involve giving gifts to others, but don’t forget about yourself when they are over. Hood recommends participating in whatever brings a smile to your face, whatever you enjoy, especially social groups or activities. Older Manalapan citizens can join activities at the Manalapan Senior Center, which offers exercise classes, games, movies, lunches, outings and more. The Monmouth County Library also offers an array of classes - ranging from Tai' Chi and Line Dancing, to knitting, crafting, creative writing and more - all for free! 
• Volunteer. Helping people helps us feel positive and better about ourselves, Hood says. Volunteer for local animal shelters such as Homeless Animal Lifeline, Cuddly Creatures Animal Rescue and Adoption, and Hope for Animals. Also, consider volunteering for certain committees in Manalapan Township and work to make the community you live in even better.  
• Take deep, short breaths. Don’t underestimate the power of deep breathing. When you trick your body into relaxing, the mind and the thoughts follow, Hood explains.
• Expect the best. Always be positive, Hood adds. If you intentionally expect good things and good results, you’ll probably get them.

TELL US: How do you de-stress? Are you resolving to stress less in 2013?