10 Tips to Beat Stress
Stress is not an enemy to be feared, but a part of life we need to learn to manage. Pressure is an essential part of living providing we can maintain a balance. Here are 10 tips to ensure a healthy balance.
1. Cut Your Worries Down To Size
It’s easy to say ‘don’t worry’, but worry can become a habit that occupies far too much of a person’s time and mental energy. The future we’re worrying about rarely happens and we’re left wondering why we wasted so much time fretting about it. Consider this: there are three types of problem, those we can solve, those we need help solving and those we cannot solve – accept it!
2. Let Off Steam
Exercise or any form of physical activity is always a useful way of letting off steam when we feel tense over something. Use your pent-up energy in some physical activity – this helps your body neutralise the effects of the fight or flight response and keeps your body strong to combat the draining effects of stress.
3. Healthy Eating And Hydration
Drinking two litres of water a day and eating a healthy balanced diet is essential during times of stress. Adrenaline and other hormones and chemicals released during times of stress reduce the strength of your body’s immune and digestive systems. You are more prone to illness, ulcers, IBS and a whole host of physical problems during periods of stress. Correct hydration and nutrition at this time will protect your body and keep your immune system strong.
4. Adjust To Others
Bad relationships can lead to the worst kind of pressure – emotional stress. We have to live and work with others so it makes sense to work at getting on with people.
Lend a hand to others, go easy with your criticism – notice the good in others and tell them. Aim for a win/win outcome – look for compromise not confrontation. Change the way you are and others will change in their relationship with you.
5. Really Relax
Relaxation has been described as nature’s tranquilliser. Only the lucky few can really relax instinctively; the rest of us have to learn how, especially how to breathe properly. Regular relaxation or meditation trains your body and mind to quickly relax and unwind to leave you refreshed and energised. Discover the peace and tranquillity within yourself.
6. Talk It Over
Stress can be greatly reduced by talking it over with someone you trust. This may be your partner, a close friend or colleague or possibly a professional counsellor or coach. Talking releases the pressures, especially if you are too close to a situation to remain objective or it’s an emotionally charged situation.
7. Do It Now
Putting off the evil day only makes it more evil and more stressful. Try writing down all the immediate tasks you have to attend to, however unattractive they may be. Rearrange them in order of importance then get them done. Planned action will always reduce mounting stress.
8. Manage Yourself And Your Time
When your workload seems overwhelming, remember that some things can always be set aside until later. Concentrate on one particular job at a time and work at it until it’s finished. Avoid pressure on yourself by acknowledging that you are only able to achieve so much. Learn to say ‘no’ when you are under pressure.
9. Value Solitude
Value the importance of solitude. ‘Me time’ is very important, and planning and taking time out for yourself essential. Take one hour for yourself each week and do something you enjoy whether it be a long walk, hot bath, massage, gardening, listening to music, trip to the gym, or to the golf course.
10. Get A Good Night’s Sleep
If you have a tendency to insomnia, aim for a peaceful and happy
end to your day. Avoid anything that is stressful or stimulating as
bedtime approaches. Keep caffeine and alcohol intake to a minimum,
take a lavender bath, drink camomile tea or listen to a relaxation
CD.