Don't Worry Be Happy!
Being stressed is not part of a healthy lifestyle. Not only is
stress damaging to us physically, it can also cause us to eat
more and exercise less. Stress can be a huge obstacle that gets
in the way of our healthy lifestyle goals. What can you do to
effectively manage your stress? The following six steps will
help you to make changes to have less stress and more happiness
in your life.
1. Be aware of what stresses you and how you react to stress.
Learn to understand what situations; events, circumstances and
people cause you to feel negative stress. Think about what
message your brain is telling you about why you feel stressed.
Notice the physical reactions you have, a racing heart, and
shortness of breath, tight muscles or feeling angry and upset.
2. Think about the changes you can make. Is there a way you can
set up a structure to reduce or eliminate the stress by being
more organised or managing you time better. Can you avoid or
eliminate any of the things that cause you negative stress? Can
you reduce your exposure to stress by taking a break away from
the situation?
3. Better manage your emotional reaction to stress. Different
things cause different people stress. You may find public
speaking extremely stressful but others thrive on this type of
challenge. Having too many deadlines may leave you tearing your
hair out but may make someone else feel completely organised and
less stressed. We feel stressed because of how we personally
perceive the situation. Are you stressed because you view things
are critical or urgent when that may not be the case? Are you
feeling pressure because you are a perfectionist? Try and be
more moderate in your view and put the situation into
perspective. Get someone else's perspective on the situation and
compare with your own. Are you being over dramatic?
4. Better manage your physical reaction to stress. Learn
relaxation and deep breathing techniques that will slow down
your racing heart, improve your breathing and relax those tense
muscles. Learn to smile and laugh more. It's hard to be angry
and stressed while you're laughing.
5. Look after your emotional needs. Don't live up to other
expectations, as these will not be in alignment with your own
needs and values. Hang around upbuilding and supportive friends
or co-workers. Find someone to share your concerns with. Also
learn to ask for and accept help.
6. Look after your physical health. Being in good physical
shape in itself reduces stress. Be physically active everyday.
Eat well, don't smoke or drink excessively. Get enough sleep and
regularly take time out to do things you enjoy.
This week look at what is causing you stress and then work at
applying the appropriate steps in this article. Be realistic and
make changes slowly. Above all, don't worry be happy!