No Cost Tips to Combating Stress via Kimberly Rose Johnson

As a full time writer I deal with stress and anxiety a lot. But you don’t have to be a published writer to get caught in the stress trap. We all experience this energy zapping distraction. But how we deal with it, is what matters.

Why is stress such a big deal? For starters the physical effects of stress on our bodies is nuts. I overeat when I’m stressed, and then gain weight, which puts stress on my heart, and raises my blood pressure. Not to mention how uncomfortable my clothes become, and then I stress my weight. You get the picture. It’s a ridiculous cycle that I fall into all too often.

Stress shows itself differently in each of us. Some people may experience headaches and muscle tension, while others may not sleep well, or have nightmares.

Here are five free things anyone can do to help combat stress.

• Get physical: Take a walk, play with your pet, take a bike ride or a jog. The key is to find a physical activity that releases those stress hormones.
• Meditate: This means something different to different people depending on your background, but for me, this means opening my bible and reading scripture. I put my focus on the Lord, and I don’t allow whatever is stressing me to enter that quiet time.
• Practice deep breathing: It amazes me how something so simple as breathing deeply makes such a difference. Try it, it really works!
• Listen to your favorite music: As a musician, playing the piano has a calming effect on me, as well as listening to music.
• Choose to let the stressor go. Believe me I know how difficult this is, but it is seriously the best thing to do. What will worrying about if you will get another writing contract, or if you will be able finish by deadline accomplish? Nothing other than to make you feel bad. I get physically ill from intense stress, and I have determined enough is enough. I will no longer allow stress or anxiety to control me.

I encourage you to take one day at a time. One hour at a time or even one moment at a time. Ultimately God is in control and He wants what is best for you.

I’m thinking about a recent experience. My heart beat so hard I could feel it pounding in my chest. My life wasn’t in danger, I was just anxious about something that I cared deeply about. I finally gave it to God and everything turned out better than fine. In fact, the day ended with a new writing contract offer.

The next time anxiety grips you or stress overwhelms you, spend a moment to take care of yourself; exercise, breathe deeply, pray, sing—whatever works for you. No excuses, we can all spare five minutes to take care of ourselves.

I originally wrote this post back in 2014. Because I am working super hard to edit a book in addition to everything else my daily life demands, I decided to recycle this article. I hope you have found it useful.

Bonus tip: Get lost in a good book.

In case you missed the news I have a couple new books available. For lovers of romantic suspense check out Edge of Truth. This book looks amazing in print and would make a great gift for the book lover in your life. Here’s the back cover blurb.

Two DEA agents.
One undercover mission.
Lives changed forever.

 The DEA sends two of its best agents, Kara Nelson and Jeff Clark, to Central Oregon, to shut down a major drug ring. Kara and Jeff usually work alone, but Operation Trail Ride throws them undercover together in a way neither of them expected.

A notorious Miami drug lord wants Kara dead. Can these agents pull off the greatest acting job of their lives—and manage the sparks flying between them?
Or will they die trying?

Edge of Truth is the first book in the Law Enforcement Heroes series. A romantic suspense series with nail biting suspense and a splash of romance. If you like engaging characters, small-town antics, and page turning suspense, then you’ll love Kimberly Rose Johnson’s Law Enforcement Heroes series.

Sara’s Gift is a sweet Christian contemporary romance. You can still pre-order for only 99¢. Available in ebook only. There are six total books in this series. Each book stands alone, but if you want the set be sure to snag the pre-order deals.Small-Town Christmas Wishes.
Welcome to Snowflake, Colorado–a small town where wishes come true! When six old high school friends receive a letter that their fellow friend, Charity Hart, wrote before she passed away, their lives take an unexpected turn. She leaves them each a check for $1,500 and asks them to grant a wish–a secret wish–for someone else by Christmas. It sounds simple but the friends soon discover that it isn’t as easy as it seems! With the clock ticking, will they make it happen in time?
Join Mia, Caro, Nate, Sara, Holly, and Taye on their journey to make a wish come true–and find love along the way.

Christmas is the season of giving, but Sara isn’t sure she is up to the task.
Playing secret angel in high school was fun, and now, years later, Sara has the opportunity to do it once more on a bigger scale. She enlists the help of Gabe, her long-time best friend, to come up with a deserving recipient. But something is off with Gabe–he’s more attentive than usual.
The Christmas season has put Gabe in a reflective mood. His evaluation of his life has left him lonely and wanting more. But can his heart have its desire? That’s up to Sara.
Can these two long-time best friends navigate their changing relationship, or will the romance Grinch steal their Christmas joy?