management basically refers to the broad range of strategies aimed at how to relieve stress. The overall
objective being to better your everyday
functioning in every area of your life.
What is stress?
What is the cause of stress? There are quite a number of divergent
opinions as to what the definition of stress is - and what its causes are as
everyone's experience is unique. There's no "one size fits all"
definition that can be applied to everyone.
However, the generally accepted
consensus definition of stress is that "it's a condition
or feeling experienced when you perceives
that demands exceed the personal
resources that you are able
to marshal to handle the situation," leaving you
feeling stressed out.
Good Stress and Bad Stress
Good stress? Yes, some
stress is good - up to a point. It can help provide you with that extra "push." e.g, in accomplishing a challenging or urgent task at work, or in
situations that require fast reaction such as in an athletic event.
Such "stress" is actually beneficial and necessary.
When stress occurs too frequently, or lasts too long, it becomes
It's been linked to many health problems and immune system impairment - making it easier for you to fall sick or worsening already
existing health conditions.
Stress Management Needed Fast!
Stress Relief Tips
What can you do to manage
and cope with stress? First establish
its cause then seek out ways to decrease or eliminate it and learn
healthy ways to minimize its adverse effects. Also, don't ignore your
own "stress breeding" feelings,
thoughts and behaviors that may have contributed to the situation in the first place.
Stress Relief Techniques
Many stress management techniques exist that offer
help with managing the condition. However, they all require
some degree of change on your part. Either changing
the stress causing situation or changing your reaction to it.
are six stress management options. Experiment with them and adopt those stress relief techniques that work best for you:
1) Change the Situation by Avoiding Needless Stress:
Don't take on more than you can handle. Set your limits, stick to them and learn how to say NO.
the amount of time you spend with people that cause you stress. End
the relationship if the situation becomes intolerable.
Take charge of your surroundings. Don't plunge headlong into stress inducing situations when you can readily avoid them.
Avoid controversial discussion topics that are bound to raise temperatures and cause heated arguments.
your daily order of business and responsibilities. Differentiate
between those that must be done and those that can wait and act
2) Change the Situation by Altering the Way You Operate and Communicate:
Be more assertive and deal with problems head on. This is your life. Take charge of it.
Be willing to compromise.If you seekbehavioral
change in others, be ready to do the same. There's a good chance for an
agreeable middle ground solution if both of you are ready to be "bend"
over backwards just a little bit.
If someone or something is bugging you, state what bothers you in an open and respectful
way. Don't bottle up your feelings.
ahead. Poor time management can be stress inducing. Manage your time
more effectively and don't spread yourself out too thin.
3) Change Yourself and Adapt to the Stress Inducing Situation:
Focus on the positive. Take time to reflect on all the things in your life that you have reason to be grateful for. When stress seems overwhelming, this simple
strategy will help you keep things in
Stop setting yourself up for disappointment by demanding perfection from yourself and others. Set reasonable
standards and learn to be satisfied with what is good enough.
Look at the bigger
picture. Is what is stressing you really worth getting worried about? How important will it
be in a week, month or year from now? If your answers to both questions
are in the negative, focus your time and energies elsewhere.
than fuming, ranting and raving about a stressful situation, Look at it
from a more positive angle. The situation may just provide an
opportunity for you to pause and recharge your "batteries."
4) Accept Situations That You Can't Change:
Many situations in
life are simply beyond your control e.g death of a
loved one and the behavior of others. Instead of getting stressed
over them, shift your focus to the things that you can do and control such as
your choice of reaction to the situation.
When you are faced with major challenges, look for the "silver lining." There's always a solution "lurking" within the challenge.
These challenges could also present opportunities for self reflection and personal growth.
5) Create Time for Rest, Fun and Relaxation
aside some time for relaxation to recharge and reinvigorate yourself.
Connect with other positive people who will uplift you. Engage in fun
activities that bring you happiness.
A sense of humor is an added
plus. It's one of the most effective stress management techniques. Don't take yourself too seriously. Laugh at yourself sometimes. You'll be amazed at how that simple act can help you "chase" stress
6) Follow and Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
You will strengthen your overall physical health and bolster your resistance to stress by adopting these additional stress management tips:
Eating a healthy nutritious diet.
Exercising for at least 30 minutes 3 times a week - the more the better.
Limiting or eliminating the intake of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.
Getting enough sleep. This will rest and revitalize your body and mind.
Everyone is different and there is no "one size fits all" strategy on how to deal with stress. Experiment with the various stress management techniques. Single out and adopt the ones that work best for you in overcoming stress triggers and avoiding feeling stressed out.
"Expect trouble as an
inevitable part of life and when it comes, hold your head high, look it
squarely in the eye and say, "I will be bigger than you. You cannot
defeat me." - Ann Landers
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.
Disclaimer: This website is designed for educational purposes only.The entire contents of this site are based on the opinions of the author and are not intended as medical advice or to take the place of a one-on-one relationship with a qualified physician or health care practitioner. Please seek the advice of your physician or health care provider if you have an issue of medical concern.