It may seem that there’s nothing you can do about your stress level. The bills aren’t going to stop coming, there will never be more hours in the day for all your errands, and your career or family responsibilities
will always be demanding. But you have a lot more control than you
might think. In fact, the simple realization that you’re in control of your
life is the foundation of stress management.
Managing stress is all about taking charge: taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun – plus the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on. Stress management starts with identifying the sources of stress in your life. This isn’t as easy as it sounds. Your true sources of stress aren’t always obvious, and it’s all too easy to overlook your own stress-inducing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
To identify your true sources of stress, look closely at your habits, attitude, and excuses and work on them.
SELF HELP IS THE BEST HELP
Here are few things which may help you manage your stress:
- Exercise - exercise has been proven to have a beneficial effect on a person’s mental and physical state. For many people exercise is an extremely effective stress buster.
- Division of labor - try to delegate your responsibilities at work, or share them. If you make yourself indispensable the likelihood of your feeling highly stressed is significantly greater.
- Assertiveness - don’t say yes to everything. If you can’t do something well, or if something is not your responsibility, try to seek ways of not agreeing to do them.
- Alcohol and drugs - alcohol and drugs will not help you manage your stress better. Either stop consuming them completely, or cut down.
- Caffeine - if your consumption of coffee and other drinks which contain caffeine is high, cut down.
- Nutrition - eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Make sure you have a healthy and balanced diet.
- Time management - make sure you set aside some time each day just for yourself. Use that time to organize your life, relax, and pursue your own interests.
- Breathing - there are some effective breathing techniques which will slow down your system and help you relax.
- Open up - talk to you family, friends, work colleagues and your boss. Express your thoughts and worries.
- Seek professional help - if the stress is affecting the way you function; go and see your doctor. Heightened stress for prolonged periods can be bad for your physical and mental health.
- Relaxation techniques - mediation, massage, or yoga have been known to greatly help people with stress.
- Dealing with Stressful Situations: The Four A’s – Try and change the situation by Avoiding the stressors, Altering the stressors. If it’s not possible to change the situation you may try and change your reaction by Adapting the stressor or Accepting the stressor.
