Stress Tips
Stress Tips
26 ways to minimize and manage the unhealthy effects of stress,
anxiety and burnout. By Bill Reddie
No doubt about it - we live in an increasingly competitive and
stressful world. In many subtle and not so subtle ways it
affects us all and it's not unusual for people to lace their
conversation with phrases like 'Stressed out', 'Anxiety
syndrome', 'Panic attack', 'Burned out', and more. That's
today's reality.
The question is, how do we go about dealing with that kind of
world? What can we do to minimize the prolonged, unhealthy
effects of a stressful environment? How can we prevent stress,
anxiety and burnout from becoming a way of life?
Well, first we need to take a good hard look at what exactly is
stressing us out and perhaps do a bit of repair work on our
perspective of the situation. A good way to do that is by
reviewing some very basic and constructive advice that has
always been available but is often forgotten in our daily
scuffle to get ahead.
For the most part, the advice is based upon common sense and can
often provide clarity and guidance in stressful situations.
That said, study the list below to see if it contains something
that will work for you. At first glance, these suggestions may
appear deceptively simple but each will, nonetheless, require
dedicated effort and discipline.
1. Don't try to please everyone. It's impossible, debilitating
and very stressful.
2. Stop living your life according to the beliefs, opinions and
prejudgments of others. Its your life, not theirs.
3. Create dependable friendships with people who can be counted
on to support your effort to change, learn and grow.
4. Try to make changes gradually. Doing so will help you to
maintain a more positive outlook as you progress. Attempting to
change too much too soon often leads to disappointment.
5. Establish priorities that are consistent with your own values.
6. Examine your beliefs and goals. Are they unrealistic or
unattainable?
7. Accent the positive and learn from the negative.
8. Focus on the present. The past cannot be changed. The future
hasn't arrived yet. That leaves you with now. Now is the time to
create the future you desire.
9. Are you a workaholic? If so, try to create a more balanced
lifestyle. By so doing, you'll minimize a lot of stress too.
10. Choose a goal that you can be proud to work toward and which
enhances and maintains your self-respect.
11. Don't forget to take short breaks throughout your workday.
12. Think ahead. Always have a plan B in case plan A does not
work.
13. Mistakes happen. If it's your fault, admit it and don't
waste time and energy with excuses.
14. Take the time to exercise regularly. Exercise is a good
stress-buster.
15. Improve your relationships. Give up those that lead nowhere
and drain your energy.
16. Pace yourself. Know your limits. If you feel you can go the
extra mile and it's a worthy goal, then go for it...but don't
obsess or overdo. Sometimes, less is more.
17. If a situation or workload appears overwhelming don't panic.
Instead, analyze the problem and divide it into smaller, more
manageable parts to be completed in an orderly manner.
18. Trying to be king of the hill is ok so long as it remains a
game. When it becomes a stressful, obsessive and competitive
desire to win no matter the cost, you've got a problem.
19. A little humor can often diffuse a tense situation.
20. Don't take yourself too seriously. Lighten up...your friends
and co-workers will appreciate it and you'll feel better.
21. Continual worry or guilt solves nothing. Take action by
changing what you can, ignoring the rest and concentrating your
effort on creating a better future.
22. Choose work that: (a) you enjoy (b) you are capable of (c)
produces results that are helpful to and appreciated by others.
23. Get plenty of sleep and rest. Sleep deprivation is a major
cause of burnout, stress and anxiety.
24. Listen to soothing, relaxing music that provides the space
you need to pause, reflect and regenerate.
25. Unreasonable deadlines can be very stressful. Try to
establish a schedule that is realistic and manageable.
26. If a problem or situation is too complex for you to handle,
seeking the aid of a qualified professional counselor or doctor
may provide the help and guidance that you need.
Copyright