Stress is good. Make stress your friend! According to the body’s
natural “fight or flight” response system that burst of energy enhances ones
performance at the right moment. There is never a top sportsman that is totally
relaxed before a big competition or any student totally relaxed before a
crucial examination. Use stress wisely to push yourself or your body a little
bit harder when very necessary.
2. Stress is contagious
Negativity breeds stress and some people know how to do nothing but
complain.
First, they see you as a positive, upbeat person and hope that you can
bring them back “up”. If that does not work out, then they just remain negative
and can’t feel better except those around them turn negative as well.
Don’t get caught up in their down pulling behavior. Try and understand
that these kinds of people have their own stress and then reduce your contact
with them. You can try to play stress doctor and teach them how to better manage
their stress, but be aware that this may contribute more to your own stress, so
look before you leap.
3. Use heavy breathing.
You can trick your body into relaxing by using heavy breathing. Breathe
in slowly for a count of 5 then breathe out for a count of 9. Repeat the 5-9
breathing until your heart rate slows down, your sweaty palms dry off and things
start to feel more normal.
4. Know your stress hot spots and trigger points
Presentations, interviews, meetings, giving difficult feedback, tight
deadlines……. Make your own list of
stress trigger points. Be specific. Is
it only presentations to a particular audience that gets you worked up? Does
one project cause more stress than another? Did you drink too much coffee? Knowing
what causes your stress is very important because you can easily take necessary
actions to make it stress free for example, learning some new skills; acquiring
extra resources; switching to decaffeinated coffee?
5. Eat, drink, sleep and be merry!
Lack of sleep, poor diet and no exercise wreaks havoc on our body and
mind. Kind of obvious, but worth mentioning as it’s often ignored as a stress
management technique.
Avoid using artificial means of stress management. That means don’t
automatically pour a glass of wine or open up a bottle of beer the moment you
think you’re getting stressed up and don’t light up a cigarette. In actuality,
alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and drugs can make the problem worse. A better
idea is to practice some relaxation techniques. Once you’re relaxed, you can
have that glass of wine if you so wish.
6. Go outside, run along with Mother Nature.
A little sunshine and some playful activity can have amazing
ramifications on your stress level and will enhance your entire outlook towards
life. Your new improved attitude will have a positive effect on everyone in your
family and/ or circle of friends; things which seem overwhelming will soon become
trivial matters, causing you to wonder what the predicament was initially. Not
only will you be less stressed, you will be healthier, happier, and more
energetic; ready to face whatever obstacles that come your way.
7. Be a 'child' again.
As a child, there were things you enjoyed doing so much. Draw; paint;
be creative.
Play with your children if you have; dance or read. Play music, allow yourself
freedom to express yourself without worry that you're not keeping with the
image of who you are 'supposed' to be. Just relax and enjoy yourself or go
crazy if you’ll put it that way. We all have
a little child in us and it's a good idea to allow expression of the
child within from time to time.
8. Don't set unrealistic for goals for
yourself.
Many of us set ourselves up for defeat simply by setting unrealistic goals
for ourselves. For example, if you are dieting, realize you cannot lose 40
pounds in one or two months. Or maybe you are trying to reach a goal of
obtaining a particular job position; whatever your goal is allow sufficient
time to reach your goals and realize occasional setbacks may occur.
If you reach your goal without any delays, you will be even happier
with yourself for arriving quicker than you planned, but don't expect it. In
fact don't expect anything; expectations and reality are two entirely different
things.
9. Learn that it is very OKAY to say 'NO'
occasionally.
Many of us feel we have to say 'yes' to everyone, every time we are asked
for help and feel that we must respond in a positive manner. But, remember, you
cannot be all things to all people. You must first meet your own needs before
you can truly give others what they need while at the same time keeping
yourself happy.
You do not have to do everything your family, friends, and others ask.
Of course you can help others, but first make sure you have done what is necessary
to take care of yourself.
10. Make “time for yourself”, your number one
priority
Once your needs are met you will find you have more time for others.
And you may find more pleasure in helping others when you don't feel that you
must always put others needs before your own.
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