Everyone encounters stress in their lives. Learning how to handle it by being proactive can substantially help lower your stress.
Everyone encounter stress in their lives. It is unavoidable. What we can change is how we let stress affect us. We can make a choice to handle it in a positive manner, or we can choose to get upset, overstressed and lash out at others. By taking a proactive approach to stress, we can lessen the effects it has on us and the duration of time that we are stressed out.
Our lives are very full. Many of us have jobs, children, charity work, social obligations and lots of other responsibilities. Sometimes they can seem overwhelming, and we start to feel stressed. The key is to minimize the stress these responsibilities cause. Here are some things you can do to be proactive at handling stress.
Learn time-management skills. These are not only helpful for work, but for home and other duties as well. People who manage their time well do not do everything themselves. Rather, they know when to delegate or ask for help. They also know when to say no. Saying no should not make you feel guilty. Each one of us can only do so much. You must learn to prioritize, and get the important things done first. Make lists. If you don't get something done one day, carry it over to the next day. Chances are, things at the bottom of your list are not the most vital things to do. Pace yourself. Killing yourself to get things done isn't going to help you or anyone else.
Nurture yourself and allow others to nurture you. Support systems are necessary for everyone. Take time out for yourself, and then take time out for your family and friends. By being around the people you love and enjoy, you will feel better about yourself and refreshed to take on a new day or a new problem. Take up a new hobby or interest. There is nothing like a new challenge to our minds to take our minds off things that are bothering us. If you don't want a new hobby, revisit an old one. There are things you probably enjoy very much that you haven't done lately.
Take care of yourself. This means get enough sleep! Exercise is important, too. If you hate to exercise, do it with the people you like. Some exercise is better than none. Eat better than you are right now. Cut out some of the junk food, drink less coffee or pop, and definitely stop smoking. If you are sick, go to the doctor. That's why you have insurance. When you feel good, you handle stress better. Have a glass or wine or a beer, but don't overdo it. Moderation in all things, you know?
Practice relaxation techniques. There are some great ones out there. Learn to meditate or do visual imagery. Teach yourself deep breathing exercises. Learn to laugh. There is nothing like humor to improve your outlook on life. Keep a book of funny saying or stories to take out when you start feeling stressed. Remember something you kid did that is especially funny. Children are a constant source of comic relief. They are such happy little people!
Assert yourself when you need to. There is a difference between assertive and aggressive, and being assertive means standing up for you while respecting the beliefs of another. No one is going to hate you if you calmly state what you need. And maybe they will learn from your shining example of appropriate behavior.
Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself and others. Cultivate a healthy self-image. Realize that admitting your limitations isn't a human weakness, it's a strength. Knowing yourself well, and liking that person will go a long way in helping you decrease the stress in your life.
