Manage stress by facing it
We have been told again and again the harmful effects of stress. It may seem like you can do nothing about stress. There will never be more hours in a day, bills won't stop coming up, work and family responsibility will always be demanding. But you are in control of your life and taking the charge of your life style, emotions, thoughts and the way you deal with problems. No matter how stressful your life is you can take steps to release the pressure and lead a happy life.
1.Identify the source of stress in your life
There may be stress of changing job, moving or going through a divorce, worried about the deadlines. How do you cope with stress? Many people start smoking, drinking, cutting from family and start bingeing on junk food or taking out stress on others. Avoid unnecessary stress by choosing the 4 A's.
Alter- If you cannot avoid the stressful situation alter it. If someone or something is bothering you communicate to someone who can help you out. Try to find a balance between work and family life.Adapt - Try to view stressful situation with a positive perspective. Ask yourself how will be in a long run will it matter in a month, in a year? Is it really worth getting upset over? If the answer is NO, use your time and energy somewhere else.Accept - Don't try to control the uncontrollable.
Many things in our life are out of control particularly the behavior of the people. Let go of anger and resentments. Free yourself from negative energy.
2.Take care of your physical health.
Mentally strong people recognize their importance of keeping their bodies in good condition. Live a happy healthy life. Exercise, get plenty of sleep and maintain a healthy diet which will keep you healthy. When you are stressed physical exercise is a great reliever. Put on some music and dance around, take your dog for a walk, walk or cycle to the grocery store, go swimming, do tai chi, dancing whatever you are comfortable with.
3.Connect to others
Usually when we are stressed we cut out with everyone. Reach colleague at work, help someone in volunteering, have lunch with a friend, Go for a walk with your buddy, schedule a weekly dinner date, meet new people by taking a class or joining a club.
4.Make time for fun and relaxation.
We are so much caught up in a hustle and bustle of life that we have forgotten to take care of our needs. Nurturing yourself is a necessity not a luxury. If you regularly make time for fun and relaxation, you will be in a better place to handle stress. Make some time for rest and relaxation because this is your time to break up from all responsibilities and recharge your batteries. Go for a walk, light scented candles, call a friend and chit chat with him/her, work in your garden, make a different hair style or a new look or anything which you prefer to do.
5.Manage your time.
Poor time management can also cause you lot of stress. Don't over-commit yourself. Avoid scheduling things back to back. Prioritize your tasks. Make a list of tasks you have to do and tackle them in order. Break projects into small steps. Take one manageable step at a time. Delegate responsibility. The ultimate goal is the balanced life with time for work, relationships, relaxation, fun.
Try to let go of the negative thinking habits and become a positive thinker by using affirmations and visualization.
6.Stay claim.Dont make promises you cant keep. You will get yourself all stressed up when its time to redeem your pledge.keep it simple.Dont be a copy cat. Life is not a competition.Let your yes be yes and your no be no. Love yourself.
