Stress is an integral part of everyday life. There are career, relationship and family responsibilities that continually compete for your attention. Fighting stress is all about taking charge: of your thoughts, emotions, schedules and changing the way you handle issues.
Some folks let easily let go of things. They view work and life stresses as just minor bumps along the way. Some others virtually worry themselves sick.
The first step in fighting stress is to identify the sources or triggers of stress.
Although most cases of stress are work related, stress can be caused by other issues you deal with in your everyday life. Your habits, attitude, and beliefs can also cause stress.
Work related stress may stem from lack of job satisfaction resulting from any or some of the following:
- Heavy workload
- Long work hours
- Working under dangerous conditions
- Unrealistic or unclear expectations from your boss
- Fear about career advancement
- Discrimination or harassment
Everyday life and relationship issues that may lead to stress include:
- The death of a spouse, friend or close family member
- Divorce or break up
- Unemployment or job loss
- Increase in financial obligations
- Getting married
- Moving to a new home
- Chronic illness or injury
- Emotional problems (depression, anxiety, anger, grief, guilt, low self-esteem)
- Taking care of an elderly or physically challenged family member.
Sometimes the stress can be internal rather than external. You can become stressed out just by worrying about things. Stress can have negative effects on our relationship with others, It is therefore an important you know how to cope with it and not allow it ruin your life.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR DEALING WITH STRESS
Not all stressful situations can be avoided, and it’s unhealthy to avoid issues that need to be tackled. However, a lot of stress causes can be dealt with by doing the following:
- Don’t take on more than you can handle at any given time. You should know when to stop or say ‘no’ when overwhelmed. Don’t over burden yourself.
- Spend less time with people who cause you stress. Sometimes, you may need to end such relationships..
- Regulate your environment – If watching the news causes you anxiety, turn the TV off. If you dislike going to the grocery store, do your shopping online.
- Avoid topics or arguments that upset you –. If you argue about the same subject with the same people repeatedly, excuse yourself from the group whenever such topics come up.
- Prioritize – If you have a lot of activities seeking your attention, List them according to their order of importance or necessity. Unnecessary tasks may be eliminated.
- Be open about how you feel. When a person or situation bothers you discuss it and if needed, seek therapy, Bottling up your feeling can lead to resentment and will not change the situation…
- Time Management. Inability to manage your time well may lead to stress. When you’re under a lot of pressure, it is difficult staying calm and focused. Procrastination can be seen as an escape but only for a short time. Planning ahead helps to reduce stress.
- Reframe problems. When faced with a stressful situation, look out for a positive way to respond to it. Rather than being upset about a traffic jam, tune to your favorite radio station.
- Change your perspective. Take a long term view of the situation. Will you still feel the same way about it in a few weeks or months from now? If the answer is no, channel your time and energy elsewhere.
- Set reasonable standards for yourself and others. Trying to be a perfectionist is a major source of avoidable stress. Learn to be okay with “good enough.”
- An attitude of gratitude. When bogged down by stress, take time to reflect on all the positive qualities and gifts in your life. Being grateful for what you have can help you see things differently.
- Focus on things within your control. There are a lot of things in life that are beyond our control— particularly how others behave. Rather than getting stressed out over such issues, focus on the things you can control such as how you react to problems.
- Learn to forgive. Recognize that we live in an imperfect world with imperfect people. Steer clear of anger and resentments. Be quick to forgive, it frees you of negative energy.
HEALTH TIPS FOR FIGHTING STRESS
- Create time for fun and relaxation.
Don’t become engrossed in the hustle and bustle of life. Take time out often to give yourself a deserved treat. Spend a few minutes every day practicing mindfulness. - Carve out time for rest and relaxation in your daily schedule. Connect with other people who have a positive outlook on life. Surrounding yourself with such people can help reduce the negative effects of stress.
- Do one thing you fancy each day.
Keep your sense of humor. Laughing at yourself and others helps your body fight stress.
- Exercise frequently. Physical activity plays a key role in reducing and preventing the consequences of stress. Exercise for at least thirty minutes three times a week.
- Eat healthy diets. A well nourished body makes it easier to fight stress, thus be conscious of what you eat. Ensure that you eat a good breakfast and balanced, wholesome meals throughout the day.
- Reduce your intake of sugar. Excessive intake of sugar can cause energy and mood swings. Reducing the quantity of soft drinks, sugary snacks in your diet, will make you more relaxed and sleep better.
- Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Self-medicating with alcohol or medicine could offer a momentary escape but will never deal with the issues.
- Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep fuels your mind, and Inadequate rest can cause irrational behavior.
Most of the points above will be discussed in details in further articles . Stay tuned !