How to manage your stress
Stress is like a nasty insect; it can eat away at you slowly. Then suddenly, it hits you… you’re over-stressed and suffering from exhaustion. Stress needs to be managed. It is in your control. Take some time to think about how you can avoid stress and lead a healthier lifestyle. Simple modifications in posture, habits, thought, and behaviour often go a long way toward reducing feelings of stress and tension. Here are some simple things you can do immediately to help keep your stress level under control.
1. Watch for the next time you find yourself becoming annoyed or angry at something trivial, then practice relaxing. Make a conscious decision not to become angry or upset. Do not allow yourself to waste thought and energy where it isn’t deserved.
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2. Breathe slowly and deeply. Before reacting to the next stressful incident, take three deep breaths and release them slowly. You can also count to ten before you explode at someone.
3. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by stress, practice speaking more slowly than usual. You’ll find that you think more clearly and react more reasonably to stressful situations. Stressed people tend to speak fast and breathlessly; by slowing down your speech you’ll also appear less anxious and more in control of any situation.
4. Choose one simple thing you have been putting off (e.g. returning a phone call, making a doctor’s appointment) and do it immediately. Taking care of these little things helps relieve unwanted burdens.
5. Get some exercise. Even if it’s just dancing around or jumping up and down for a few minutes. This will release a lot of tension. It sounds silly; we know, but just try it.
6. Learn to unwind after a stressful day. You can do that by reading something unrelated to work, watching TV, having a long candle bath, or even just sitting and doing nothing for a moment. It is very important that you break the habit of going to bed straight after work. You must unwind.
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