Stress management article

Use the information in this stress management article to help you cope with stress. These techniques are simple and effective.

All humans suffer from stress. Like happiness or grief, it can't be avoided. In response to daily stresses our bodies have physical reactions including: increases in blood pressure, changes in heart rate, respiration and metabolism. Since everyone is different, the real key is determining your personal tolerance levels for stressful situations.

If you manage stress, instead of letting stress manage you, a balanced life is possible. Here are some suggestions for managing stress in your everyday life.

Dispel the myths of stress. Stress is everywhere so there is nothing I can do about it. Not true! You can arrange your life so stress does not overwhelm you. Managing stress through effective planning, prioritizing and various coping methods should be your goal.

When dealing with a large problem, break it down into smaller parts. If you have major house cleaning to accomplish, pick out one job and concentrate on getting it done. Once that task is complete, pick out another and so on. There's an old quip: How do you eat an elephant....one bite at a time!

Shed the imagine of perfection. The need to do everything perfectly and quickly is sure to build stress. Superman and Superwoman live in comic books, meaning they don't exist in real life.

When life seems too complicated, make a list of your priorities. List the things which absolutely must get done. Then, start to eliminate or delegate. Next, to be fair to yourself, prepare a list of things you would choose to do. Determine what things are really important to you. Then, for everything you have to do, select one thing you choose to do next.

Always remember you have choices. Stressed-out people tend to forget this simple fact. When things seems impossible, say to yourself, (or out loud) "I have a choice. I can do things differently and the world won't fall apart." If your dishes don't get washed until tomorrow, it's not a big deal.

Visualize the stressful situation and how you can handle it better. Many people feel these "rehearsals" boost self-confidence and give them a positive approach to the task at hand.

Meditation or quiet time may help. Ten to twenty minutes of quiet reflection can restore calm and put your troubles in the proper perspective.

Set a realistic time schedule. Anyone can set a schedule, but the key word is realistic. Interruptions happen, car batteries die and the phone rings six times when it usually only rings twice. Much as we might like it, life cannot be timed down to the minute. Leave space in your schedule for the unexpected.

Others won't always measure up to our expectations. Don't be disappointed or frustrated when this happens or spend time trying to change that individual. We all have our virtues and shortcomings, so be flexible. Remember the tree that bends in the wind lasts longer than the unyielding tree which breaks.

Strive for balance in your life. A balanced life consists of relaxation time, hobbies, exercise, family time, and work time. If others find time for all these things, you can too!

source: www.essortment.com