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Here are some ways to lower your
stress level.
Exercise
Being physically active helps you manage emotional stress and
tension while improving your overall fitness. Good health and a
fit body enable you to better cope with stress. In addition,
exercising removes you – at least temporarily - from a difficult
situation or stressful environment.
Relaxation and Meditation
Some types of meditation and relaxation therapies are easier to
learn in a class, but there are also meditation techniques you
can learn on your own. There are many different types of
relaxation methods, including audio tapes/CDs, marital arts
classes, yoga, or other fitness classes. Explore your options –
many techniques can be acquired without a great expenditure of
time or money.
Time management
When you manage your time, you will find it easier to
effectively control your stress level. Learn to prioritize your
tasks and avoid over-committing your time. Use a calendar or
planner and refer to it before committing to anything. If you
end each day with no idea where the time has gone, keep a
journal for a few days to help you identify time-wasting tasks.
For example, many people find that constantly checking and
responding to emails or answering the phone takes them off
track. Setting aside specific times to handle email and voice
messages can allow you to finish assignments without disruption.
Organizational skills
Get rid of the clutter and organize your office, desk, kitchen,
closet, car, or other surroundings. Disorganization promotes
stress and causes you to waste time searching for misplaced
objects. Regularly sorting, cleaning out, and organizing
paperwork and other clutter will make you feel in charge of your
surroundings – and your life.
Support systems
A social support system comprised of loved ones, friends,
co-workers, neighbors, and even household pets can help you to
weather the emotional and physical ups and downs of daily life.
Creating and developing a strong social support network is good
for both your mind and your body.
If you can't manage stress on your own… there are resources to
help.
Talk to your doctor. Stress can make you more susceptible to
infections and make the symptoms of almost any chronic
condition worse. Stress by itself can cause physical
symptoms. Your physician can determine how stress is
affecting your body and suggest ways to combat these
negative influences. You will have to be honest about the
extent of stress you are experiencing. For cases of severe,
short-term stress, your doctor may recommend the use of
medications to reduce the symptoms. Your doctor also can
refer you to a counselor or therapist if you should need
additional assistance.
- Counseling may help. Various types of mental health
professionals can provide stress management counseling to reduce
symptoms and improve overall health and attitude. You don’t have
to make a long-term commitment to counseling. Some people
benefit from a series of sessions focused on stress management.
A therapist can help you identify problem areas and develop
strategies for controlling stressful times or situations. Even
just talking to someone who is objective and supportive can help
reduce your anxiety and tension.
- Spend time with loved ones. People who have a balanced life
that includes a happy social support system have fewer
stress-related symptoms and manage stress better than those who
lack social support. Don’t spend all of your time focused on
work – those you love you can enrich your life and offer
suggestions and help when you need it.
- Sign up for a class. It’s easier to learn many meditation or
relaxation methods by taking a class or course led by a
qualified instructor. As a bonus, you will meet others with
similar goals and interests who can become part of your social
network.
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