Dealing with Stress - 10 Ways to Deal with Stress

Stress reduction is all about learning how to deal with stress. Here are 10 ways to deal with stress:

• Prioritize – Stop worrying about too many things at one time. Stress occurs when you fret over too many little things. Prioritize your work and leave the unimportant stuff for the time being.
• Avoid Multitasking – Put your entire focus on what you are doing at the moment. For example, if you are writing a letter, just focus on that and turn off all distractions (email, phone, etc.). Doing things this way will not only help you work faster but also more efficiently.
• Take a Break – Give yourself a break and move away from a stressful situation. This gives you adequate time to contemplate and look for options of how to react positively to adverse situations. Even when you are not stressed, it helps a lot to take frequent breaks throughout the day.
• Let Go – You have to realize that not everything in this world will work according to your wish (In fact very little will actually). Universe has its own plans and you must learn to accept things that do not go according to your way. The more you resist to change, the more stressed you’ll be. Remember the powerful saying “This too shall pass…”
• Take a Day Off – Take a day off completely once in a week and engage in some sort of stress reduction technique like meditation, yoga, massage or be totally amidst nature. It’ll help you tremendously in relieving pent up stress.
• Laugh More Often – Stay around people who are happy and have a positive disposition. The endorphins that laughter releases will help you remain calm and feel better. And the effect of laughing is not limited to time of laughing. The feel-good factor stays on for a considerable amount of time after a good laugh.
• Eat Healthy – A well balanced diet can work wonders in controlling your stress levels. Normally the food we reach out to at times of stress (sugary, fatty and oily) make you feel better by actually causing the adrenal glands to work harder. The result is fatigue and more stress. Eat more fresh foods, vegetables and fruits.
• Help Others – Helping others or engaging in some sort of selfless service takes your mind off your problems and gives you satisfaction or contentment, which is key to stress free living. The focus of the present day human being is always on something that he doesn’t have. Hence he is discontented and stressed most of the time.
• Positive Affirmations – Giving yourself messages that you can deal with stress rather than telling yourself that things are horrible is a proven self help technique. Long term stress restricts delivery of glucose to the brain and impedes memory thus inducing negativity. You need to remind your brain that you can deal with stress.
• Exercise – Exercise relaxes the brain by diverting the blood to the body. It also releases endorphins that help you feel good. One does not have to engage is some sort of strenuous activity to feel good. Even a mild activity like walking, when done with full awareness can make you feel better and relaxed.

Stress can go on for long periods in the challenges that modern life presents. There is no way that you can avoid them. Situations tend to be favorable as well as adverse. Dealing with stress depends upon your coping skills. You can either to take up the challenge posed by a changed situation or learn to manage stress.

Back to Guide to Stress Management Home.