Stress is very common in all walks of life and in all occupations. There are different kinds of stress, such as acute, episodic and chronic. Each one has its own list of symptoms and triggers that set it off. Chronic stress is the most dangerous one because it can affect a person’s health and welfare and lead to depression if he/she cannot develop methods of stress relief.
Managing stress is a slow and measured process that should take place over time and not all at once. Take stock of the situation and make a note of the things that are causing you the most concern. Look at things that you can do, or ask for support that will ease the situation, no matter how small. Set some achievable goals towards removing the problem.
Too many people believe that natural and healthy methods of stress relief take far too much time and turn to prescription drugs to deal with the stress. Worse still, many people turn to drinking, smoking or non-prescription drugs in the false believe that these help them to cope with the stress in their lives. It doesn’t! All it does is mask the symptoms of stress and help you forget about it for a short time.
�I know that my family appreciates it because when I get home I am calm and relaxed and can really enjoy spending time with my wife and children.
�Parking on a hill and enjoying nature may not be your thing, so maybe go to the gym and work the stress out, go shopping, or whatever is right for you, so long as it is healthy and relaxed you.
�If you travel on public transport to and from work, you can sit and read or knit or something as you travel to help further reduce your stress.
�If you cannot spare any time between getting off work and getting home regularly then do something relaxing in the car or as soon as you get home. Maybe listen to some classical music in the car, or heavy metal, depending on how your day has been! Maybe take a few minutes before you enter the house to take a few deep breaths and let the stresses of the day go.
There are several tools available nutritionally for stress management. Some vitamin supplements give natural stress relief and bring body balance when stress saps your energy. Some natural sources for managing stress are foods, herbs, and some from nutritional supplements.
That said, study the list below to see if it contains something that will work for you. At first glance, these suggestions may appear deceptively simple but each will, nonetheless, require dedicated effort and discipline.
�Don’t try to please everyone. It’s impossible, debilitating and very stressful.
�Improve your relationships. Give up those that lead nowhere and drain your energy.
�Trying to be king of the hill is ok so long as it remains a game. When it becomes a stressful, obsessive and competitive desire to win no matter the cost, you’ve got a problem.
�Try to make changes gradually. Doing so will help you to maintain a more positive outlook as you progress. Attempting to change too much too soon often leads to disappointment.
�Establish priorities that are consistent with your own values.
�Get plenty of sleep and rest. Sleep deprivation is a major cause of burnout, stress and anxiety. Accent the positive and learn from the negative.
�Focus on the present. The past cannot be changed. The future hasn’t arrived yet. That leaves you with now. Now is the time to create the future you desire.
�Continual worry or guilt solves nothing. Take action by changing what you can, ignoring the rest and concentrating your effort on creating a better future.
�Choose a goal that you can be proud to work toward and which enhances and maintains your self-respect.