Combat Stress - 7 Practical Methods
A stress-free lifestyle could very well do wonders in
eliminating depression. Here are 7 practical methods to combat
stress:
1. Express Amusement And Be Happy. Laugh hard and loud. If you
don't have a sense of humor, find someone else who has. Laughter
releases endorphins (happy chemicals) from the body, and it
helps boost your immune system.
2. Take Control Over Your Time and Schedule. You'll be much more
able to deal with stress if you have a good handle on your job,
relationships, and other activities. When you are in control,
you are more inclined to stay focused and calm. Plan your time
wisely.
Remember to leave room for unexpected events - both negative and
positive. Be adaptable in rearranging your agenda. Get up 15
minutes early in the morning. Allow an extra 15 minutes to get
to all appointments.
Avoid procrastinating on important or urgent tasks. Whatever
needs doing, do it immediately. Do the unpleasant tasks early,
so that you won't have to worry about them for the rest of the
day. Keep an appointment or record book. Don't just rely on your
memory.
Do your tasks one thing at a time at a time. Focus your
attention on the present moment, whether it's the person talking
to you or the job at hand. This helps you to avoid making errors
- which lead to more tension and anxiety. Be patient in waiting.
Anxiety caused by impatience can rise up your blood pressure.
Say "no" to requests that you cannot accomplish. Delegate
trivial tasks. You must remember that you don't have to do it
all yourself. Crack a job into separate tasks and assign them to
people with the suitable skills.
3. Work Out Strive and get some habitual exercise such as brisk
walking, swimming or whatever appeals to you. Play a sport
you're interested in. Aerobic exercises can considerably reduce
the stress factor. Work out also improves sleep and gives you
time to think and focus on other things. It also promotes the
release of natural soothing chemicals in your body. Do not
result to excessive exercise, however, as this may have an
adverse effect and might cause more depression.
4. Search Out For A Support Group. You'll be able to manage
stress much better if you have other people helping and
supporting you. Did you know that married people and people who
are outgoing (always meeting with friends), have considerably
low levels of stress in their lives?
Choose positive friends who are not worriers. Friends who
continually put you down or talk gloomily about life will
increase your anxiety. Invite a good friend to help you talk out
a problem and get it off your chest. A long-distance call to an
old pal can be great therapy.
Pardon others instead of holding grudges. Slow down your
standards - for yourself and others. Don't expect too much.
Perfectionism is not the means to happiness. Become more
flexible and adaptable to your environment. Communicate clearly
with your co-workers and boss. Ask questions. Repeat
instructions that you are given. Clarifying directions at the
start of a project can save lots of time later rectifying out
misunderstandings. Be honest in your dealings with others. Lying
and cheating leads to stress.
5. Take Breaths Deeply and Slowly. Calm down your muscles,
escalating your stomach and chest. Exhale slowly. Do it again
several times. Follow your breath as it flows in and out. Do not
try to have power over it. This is a good way to relax in the
midst of any activity. This practice allows you to find a
breathing pattern that is natural and relaxing to you. Make use
of this yoga technique: Inhale slowly, counting to eight. Exhale
through your mouth, even more slowly, counting to sixteen. Make
a sighing sound as you exhale, and feel tension dissolve. Do it
again 10 times.
6. Consume Healthy Foods at the Appropriate Time. Never skip
meals, especially breakfast. Get time out to eat heartily no
matter how busy you are. Take nutritious snacks to the office,
or even the shopping mall. A nutritionally balanced diet is
essential to your health and lifestyle. For example, researchers
have found that even small deficiencies of thiamin, a B-complex
vitamin, can cause anxiety symptoms. Pantothenic acid, another
B-complex vitamin, is critical during times of stress. Avoid
caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sweets, which can worsen
symptoms of stress.
7. Live Optimistically. Count your blessings, particularly when
everything seems to go wrong. Believe that many other people are
living in worse conditions than you are. Don't exaggerate the
complexity of your problems. Every problem has a solution. All
you need to do is find that solution. Learn to be happy and to
enjoy life's blessings. Live one day at a time.