Stress is a silent killer. If you don’t manage your stress levels, you can end up suffering from any number of illnesses, including depression and heart problems. That’s why it’s crucial to do everything you can to reduce stress so you can live a happier and healthier life.
Here are some tips to help get you started.
• Adapt to what you can’t change—Unfortunately, you can’t avoid stress altogether. It’s just impossible. However, what you can do is try to adapt to the things in your life that are stressing you out. For example, if dealing with traffic every day on your way to work gets you all worked up, try taking the bus instead. Or, just leave a few minutes earlier to avoid the rush hour traffic. That way, you’ll still be able to keep your job, but you will reduce the stress of commuting. Little changes to stressful situations can make all the difference in the world.
• Keep everything in perspective—Whenever a stressful situation pops up, take a few steps back and look at the bigger picture. Ask yourself, “Will this really matter in a year from now?” More than likely, it won’t. Don’t let the little day to day stresses ruin your health. Keep them in perspective, and move forward with your life.
• Take a break—Today’s society is more fast-paced than ever before. Between work and personal obligations, we often take on more than we can handle. As a result, we’re running around all day long from the second we wake up until our head hits the pillow. It’s not healthy. Give yourself a break. Set aside time each day where you can just relax and forget about all of your troubles. Read a book, take a relaxing bath, or just plop down on the couch. The important thing is to take a break every once in a while.
• Get a good night’s sleep—Nearly 70 million Americans don’t get a good night’s sleep. As a result, their energy levels are down, they’re more prone to a host of serious health issues, and they just feel crummy. Sleep is crucial to maintaining your health and managing your stress. Make sure to go to bed on time every night so you can wake up feeling alert and refreshed.
• Don’t hold it in—One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to hold all of your stress in. Bottling it up will only lead to much bigger problems later on. It’s just not good for you physically or emotionally. Instead, find an outlet for your stress. Keep a journal where you write down what’s bothering you. Or share your feelings with a close friend or family member.
• Avoid situations that trigger stress—While there are some stressful situations you just can’t avoid, you’d be surprised at how many you actually can avoid. For example, if political debates get you all riled up, avoid having these discussions with your friends. Turn off the talk radio. If you put some effort into it, you really can avoid a lot of the stresses in your life.
• Exercise regularly—Not only does exercising regularly keep you physically fit, but it’s also a highly effective way to blow off some steam and to release negative energy. Several studies have shown that exercise can help ease depression and similar symptoms.
What do you do to manage your stress? Share your tips with us in the replies.
Great tips! I’d like to add getting organized. I’m great at creating chaos in my life, forget to put appointments in my diary, leaving shopping until there’s nothing in the cupboard and washing until I’ve got no knickers! A daily plan or to do list keeps me organized and less stressed