Search This Blog

12 September 2013

Manage Stress With Effective Stress Management Techniques

By Denise N. Bates


Some stress is an important part of everyday life. As a consequence of being stressed we react to situations better, perform with a heightened level of awareness, access a more focussed way of thinking. But to live in a permanently stressed state is counter-productive; it is draining and bad for our long term health.Learning to prioritize is an important stress management technique. We can become habituated to instantly reacting whenever there is a request for work or help, but learning to prioritize is an important way to manage stress. Doing the most urgent tasks first helps to manage stress and pressure as it minimises the need to have people banging on the door, urgently demanding a piece of work.

Right from sleeplessness to exhaustion, the symptoms of stress can be anything. So, it is better to find out the root cause of stress and deal with it effectively, before it's too late. Often it results from the emotional side effect of failing to meet the demands of work, situation or events within the social parameters. An instance of stressful situation is when we slog hard in office and return home with an exhausted mind. We are unable to spend quality time with friends and family that makes us more irritable. Leisure time fun activities and enjoyment with family members is essential to relieve oneself from the daily stress and is one of the beneficial stress management techniques.

Delegate. Let others help and they will take pride in the responsibility, become more proficient and experienced and may even be in a position to offer useful ideas and suggestions. It can take a little time and patience to teach someone new skills, but in the long term it usually pays off.Say 'no' sometimes. This is a useful way to manage stress for several reasons. It makes other people appreciate that you're busy, gives you a reminder that you have some control over the way you allocate your time and allows you to focus on doing what you're already doing with a clear, calm mind.

Take regular breaks. Stopping for food, drink, exercise, fun improves your quality of concentration and is an important stress management technique. Eating healthy food away from the work station, having a brisk ten minute walk, a little 'me' time all ensure that your quality of concentration and focus improve on your return. Intensive periods of study, urgent deadlines often benefit from taking a break to allow the thoughts to clean and settle for a while. No one can work flat-out 100% of the time and often people find that new ideas and insights have surfaced during their time away from their desk.

Focus on priorities: Write down your priorities and celebrate when you reach each one. It is one of the best tools to achieve the desired goals.Do something you enjoy everyday: Make time for leisure activities that bring you joy, whether it be playing the piano or working on your bike.Keep your sense of humor: This includes the ability to laugh at yourself.Exercise regularly: Make time for at least 30 minutes of exercise.Eat a healthy diet: Well nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat.Reduce sugar: Sugar provides a crash in mood and energy. By reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks chocolate and sugar snacks in your diet, you will feel more relaxed and better.Avoid drugs: Avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Self medication with alcohol and drugs may provide an easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary. Do not mask the issue at hand; deal with problems with a clear mind.

Remind yourself to value the other areas of your life, your family, friends, hobbies and interests as well as work. By introducing stress management techniques it becomes easier to find a balance between all those different areas. You establish a better quality of life and establish a healthy work/life balance that brings satisfaction, pleasure as well as challenge and only occasional stress.

Stress, no matter how little or how grave, can have a direct impact on your attitude and lifestyle. In fact, it can also have an adverse affect on your body and mind. It is good to identify the reasons behind your stress levels to beat it before it takes you in its grip. Worries related to academic performance, office work, relationships and finances can perturb you and raise your stress levels while aggravating your physical and mental health.

Stress has become a part of our lives and it is practically impossible to eradicate all stresses completely as they recur time and again with growing responsibilities. However, stress management techniques are effective methods to control stress and resist its influence on our lives. Frequent headaches, exhaustions, mood swings, sleeplessness etc. are some of the symptoms of stress. If you feel that you are undergoing a stressful life, spend some time with yourself to diagnose the real reasons behind your stress levels. You can take a break from your hectic life style to find yourself relieved from stress. Stress management is all about taking complete control of your schedule, emotions and thoughts and the way you tackle problems.

If you are just learning diaphragmatic breathing, it can be helpful to begin by lying on your back with your knees bent. In this posture, it is easier to feel "soft-belly", diaphragmatic breathing. Be mindful of the feeling of the belly rising with the inhalation and falling with the exhalation. Let the breath initiate that movement.You can also put your hands on your abdomen and breathe into their warmth. Feel how the weight of the hands goes up with inhalation and drops with exhalation. A thick book resting on the abdomen will create the same sensation.

You can spend leisure hours listening good music or enjoy your hobbies that allow you to counter long term stress and its ill effects. Hobbies help you to refocus and take time for yourself, giving you the chance to fix the stress toll on your mind and body. Whether you are married or single, a student or working, at home or work, stress challenges might appear irrespective of time or occasion. A little stress can keep you motivated and focused but when the level increases, it can turn your life into hell. During tough times when you are unable to maintain balance between work and family, inevitable stress might turn out to be real headache. Effective solutions and strategies can help you discover a new you in you. So control stress before it controls you!




About the Author:



No comments: