Stress Management Tips

Stress Management – Real World Stress Relievers

Stress is a fact of life for everyone, no matter what your social status is, what career path you have chosen, or if you own your business or if you are a stay at home parent. How you deal with the stress in your life, or if in fact you deal with it at all, will determine your success rate and overall happiness in every aspect of life both personally and professionally.

Stress effects people in different ways, however it is a fact for all that stress left unchecked creates turmoil in your life and can cause serious health problems. Just as we are all different in how stress affects us, consequently the most effective way to relieve our stress also varies from person to person. Here is a list of general stress relieving techniques that can work for most anyone. See what works best for you, or come up with your own techniques, but make it a habit to be good to yourself and make time each day to unwind.

• Meditation or Yoga- There are various types of mediation and yoga exercises that can be beneficial. Search the internet for “meditation” “yoga”, or check your local library to find specific techniques that may best fit your lifestyle.

• Listen to Music- Have quiet, soothing music to listen to as you unwind. Start a collection of your favorite music that puts you in a relaxing mood.

• Sex- The physical activity of sex can be a great stress reducer; for certain it will take your mind off of the stressful issues.

• Deep breathing- Take a few moments throughout the day to practice “deep breathing exercises” that will help you from getting too stressed and keep you focused.

• Time Management- Learning to effectively manage your time and your projects so that you get the most out of your day will go a long way in relieving your stress. Keep a to-do list, so you stay on track.

• Delegate- Learn what your support system is and what resources you have, and who you can count on to delegate projects to that you have confidence in their ability to see it through to completion.

• Eat a balanced and healthy diet- Well it goes without saying that a healthy diet is good for you; and it is a critical factor in a person’s wellbeing, productivity, and energy level.

• Take a walk- Taking a short break (or longer if needed) during the day when you need a break from the routine. A short walk will help you get refocused and clear your mind.

• Laughter- We have all heard that laughter is a cure-all. While laughing may not solve all your problems, it will certainly relieve the tension and stress of the moment.

• Take a long hot bath- a good long soak in a hot tub or bath (with some aromatherapy candles burning) will do you a world of good!

• Reduce caffeine intake- Cut back on the caffeine.

• Join a social network online club of your interest (search for ones on stress relief).

• Work in your garden- many people (or those with green thumbs) say working in the garden is therapeutic.

• Don’t try to please everyone- first of all it’s impossible, you will drive yourself crazy trying.

• Live your life by your own beliefs & values- don’t live your life according to the values and beliefs of others; it is your life, live to make yourself happy. Happy and positive people attract other positive people. Surround yourself with a good support system of people who have common values, beliefs and goals as you do.

• Learn from your mistakes- your mistakes are just that, a mistake; as well as an opportunity to learn and grow. Learn from your mistakes and move on!

• Set Goals- set goals for yourself, both personally and professionally, keep them realistic and attainable; at the same time pick goals that maintain your self respect.

• Develop a plan of action for your goals- Goals are important, but there has to be action to reach those goals. Establish a workable plan so that you can reach your goals, one at a time.

• Do not try to change too much too fast- Break large goals into smaller, less intimating goals, that you can focus on and not get discouraged.

• What are your priorities?- Examine your priorities, they should reflect your values and objectives for your life. Revaluate often to keep yourself on track and remind yourself what is important to you.

• Choose your battles wisely- Don’t try to continue to fight a loosing battle, recognize what you have control over and what you do not.

• Plan B- Think ahead, always have a back-up plan in case your original plan does not work.

• Get regular physical exercise- This is a hard one for many of us, however a brisk walk every day (or at least every other day) can be extremely beneficial.

• Don’t be a workaholic- strive for a balance between your personal life and work. Also, do not bring the stress from work home or vice versa.

• Know your limits- know your limits, strengths and weaknesses; pace yourself accordingly. Spend your most productive time each day tackling your most challenging projects.

• Don’t take yourself too seriously- learn to lighten up, everyone around you will appreciate it!

• Choose a career that you enjoy- if possible, choose a career that you enjoy doing, and you are good at. Always strive to keep learning, growing and moving forward.

• Get plenty of sleep- some of us need more sleep than others, whatever your optimum amount of sleep is for you to be at your best, make sure you get it every night. Lack of sleep is a source of major stress, and you will find yourself quickly burned out.

• Keep a to-do list- be reasonable in setting your deadlines, keep to your schedule and stay focused.

• Seek help- if you are faced with a problem that seems to be insurmountable, seek out qualified help from the most appropriate source.