How to Manage Stress

Everyone experiences stress in their lives and we all react differently to different types of stress or stressful conditions. The more knowledge, tools and skills we have for understanding stress and the various coping strategies-the better the quality of our lives and our health. Stress can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). This article will give some tips and advice on how to manage stress.

Tips

1. Short-term (acute) stress is usually caused by a temporary situation or emotion that can be resolved quickly, for example, locking the car keys in the car or waiting in long lines. Although the stressful feelings can be very intense, they usually disappear after a short time.

2. Long-term (chronic) stress is constant, relentless pressure that can last for months or years. Many situations or conditions can cause chronic stress. Type A personalities or high-pressure lifestyles can be major factors in causing chronic stress. Some people get so used to the stress that they can't even recognize it anymore. Chronic stress predisposes people to higher risks of depression, mental illness, high blood pressure and various other medical conditions.

3. Manage your stress by identifying the sources, recognizing your reactions to the stress and changing your behavior. Taking stress management classes or rescheduling your work and personal lives can be a start to reducing stress. Having a supportive network of friends, family and professionals can also be useful in helping to reduce stress.

4. Learn and understand your reactions and behavior resulting from stress. It is so important to recognize your own stress profile and understand your body, mind and reactions to stress. The body reacts in certain physical ways to stress, for example, symptoms like stomach pain, rapid heartbeat, muscle tension and headaches are common complaints.

5. Identify the major stressors causing the problems. Knowing the stressors will help you find ways to manage stress. Feeling helpless is a sign of chronic stress. You may feel overwhelmed and fatigued and that you have no control over your life. If left unchecked it can lead to depression. Find ways to eliminate the stressors and talk with your doctor or a counselor to help you cope with your depression.

6. Changing your response to stress is a powerful tool for managing stress. Having realistic expectations and understanding what you can and can't do will help you let go of stressful ways of thinking and change your response to stress. Organization and planning ahead of time are ways to help manage stress. Flexibility and patience are keys to reducing stress. Also, putting everything in perspective wil help to reduce anxiety and sttress.

7. Reduce stress by incorporating physical activity such as exercising, walking, stretching and breathing techniques into your daily schedule. Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing will also increase the quality of your life and be a helpful tool in managing stress by relieving tension and calming the mind so that you feel more centered and focused.

8. Taking time for yourself or a vacation is important for the mind, body and spirit. Make time for rest and recreation. Get enough of it and treat yourself. Have fun and laughter in your life. Humor is a great form of therapy to reduce stress and decrease the risk of illness and disease.

10 Stress Management Techniques

Help Guide explains that the ultimate goal when fighting stress is to lead a balanced life. Try to identify the causes of stress in your life, and utilize a variety of techniques to combat them. Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, warns that if your own stress management techniques don't work for you, seek out a professional who can help you cope.

Physical Activity
According to Medline Plus, physical activity is a good way to fight the feelings associated with stress. Plan your schedule to fit in at least 20 minutes of activity, three times a week. The type of physical activity does not matter, as long as you're moving around. Try teaming up with a buddy for additional motivation.

Healthy Diet
Stress can be related to an improper diet, so healthy eating and nutrition is key to combating stress. Medline Plus recommends increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat, while focusing on controlled portion sizes.

Socialization
Medline Plus advises socializing to combat stress. Stress can sometimes lead you to want to avoid your friends. However, interacting with friends and family can boost your mood and take your mind off of anything that causes stress.

Avoid Stress
According to Help Guide, one of the best ways to control your stress level is to avoid known stress-inducing situations. Avoid people who cause you stress. Additionally, avoid places that may stress you out. For example, if crowds stress you out, avoid the mall or amusement parks. Also, avoid discussing topics that cause you stress. If political debates bother you, don't engage in them.

Be Willing to Adjust
Help Guide explains that you need to be willing to adjust to situations to combat potential stress. Be willing to compromise instead of fighting for your own way. However, if necessary, be more assertive and stand up for yourself and your opinions. Don't let yourself be walked all over, as that can lead to an excess of stress.

Look at the Bigger Picture
Help Guide also recommends looking at the bigger picture, as focusing on smaller, specific situations can often lead to negative thinking. Focus on the positive and try to find the silver lining in every situation. Positive thinking can go a long way in fighting stress.

Acceptance
Sometimes it is important to just accept the things you cannot change, according to Help Guide. Not everything in life can be controlled, and attempting to do so will only result in undue stress. Additionally, Help Guide suggests learning to forgive as a way to cope with stress. Holding grudges can be tiresome and upsetting; forgive people and move on.

Be Healthy
In addition to physical activity and overall nutrition, Help Guide suggests maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle. This means that you should limit drinking, quit smoking and avoid drugs. Unhealthy habits can cause illnesses that can increase stress levels; try to be healthy to decrease stress.

Learn to Say "No"
Over-committing to too many things is a fairly common cause of stress. Learn to say no; only take on as many activities as you can fit into your schedule, while still making time for yourself. Cut down on the number of things you put on your to do list. Forcing yourself to do too many things will only make you feel run down and stressed out.

Relax
Help Guide suggests finding a hobby or activity that you enjoy that will allow you to release stress and enjoy yourself. Read a book every week, join a yoga class, get a massage, take a bath, go for a walk, or play with a pet. Whatever you do, just make sure it's enjoyable and relaxing.

How to Manage Stress

Everyone experiences stress in their lives and we all react differently to different types of stress or stressful conditions. The more knowledge, tools and skills we have for understanding stress and the various coping strategies-the better the quality of our lives and our health. Stress can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). This article will give some tips and advice on how to manage stress.

Tips

1. Short-term (acute) stress is usually caused by a temporary situation or emotion that can be resolved quickly, for example, locking the car keys in the car or waiting in long lines. Although the stressful feelings can be very intense, they usually disappear after a short time.

2. Long-term (chronic) stress is constant, relentless pressure that can last for months or years. Many situations or conditions can cause chronic stress. Type A personalities or high-pressure lifestyles can be major factors in causing chronic stress. Some people get so used to the stress that they can't even recognize it anymore. Chronic stress predisposes people to higher risks of depression, mental illness, high blood pressure and various other medical conditions.

3. Manage your stress by identifying the sources, recognizing your reactions to the stress and changing your behavior. Taking stress management classes or rescheduling your work and personal lives can be a start to reducing stress. Having a supportive network of friends, family and professionals can also be useful in helping to reduce stress.

4. Learn and understand your reactions and behavior resulting from stress. It is so important to recognize your own stress profile and understand your body, mind and reactions to stress. The body reacts in certain physical ways to stress, for example, symptoms like stomach pain, rapid heartbeat, muscle tension and headaches are common complaints.

5. Identify the major stressors causing the problems. Knowing the stressors will help you find ways to manage stress. Feeling helpless is a sign of chronic stress. You may feel overwhelmed and fatigued and that you have no control over your life. If left unchecked it can lead to depression. Find ways to eliminate the stressors and talk with your doctor or a counselor to help you cope with your depression.

6. Changing your response to stress is a powerful tool for managing stress. Having realistic expectations and understanding what you can and can't do will help you let go of stressful ways of thinking and change your response to stress. Organization and planning ahead of time are ways to help manage stress. Flexibility and patience are keys to reducing stress. Also, putting everything in perspective wil help to reduce anxiety and sttress.

7. Reduce stress by incorporating physical activity such as exercising, walking, stretching and breathing techniques into your daily schedule. Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing will also increase the quality of your life and be a helpful tool in managing stress by relieving tension and calming the mind so that you feel more centered and focused.

8. Taking time for yourself or a vacation is important for the mind, body and spirit. Make time for rest and recreation. Get enough of it and treat yourself. Have fun and laughter in your life. Humor is a great form of therapy to reduce stress and decrease the risk of illness and disease.