News You Can Use

Some Ideas for Managing Stress

Set Priorities
When faced with a stressful situation, ask yourself how important this will be five years from now, fifty years from now.

Spread Out Major Life Changes
For example, don’t take a new job, move, buy a new car, and end a long-standing relationship all in the same year. Give yourself time to recover and adjust.

Learn to Say No
If you are already functioning at or near capacity, don’t take on an avoidable, new project before first wrapping up an old one.

Withdraw to Relax
Take midday relaxation breaks; be sure to take off two days every week; leave at least two evenings a week free just to loaf; make your vacations restful.

Accept What You Cannot Change
Relax during traffic jams or when waiting in line.

Seek the Middle Ground
When you find yourself arguing, look for compromise.

Distinguish Between Realistic and Unrealistic Worries
Ask yourself how likely it is that a feared event will occur. Assign a number from 1 to 10 (1 = highly unlikely; 10 = almost certain to occur).

Get Adequate Exercise
Exercise releases chemicals into your system that are calming. Also, physical activity releases tension, making it easier to relax.

Don’t “Bottle Up” Your Emotions
Express your feelings to family and friends. Keep a journal. Talk to a counselor.

Practice Relaxing
On any day that your stress level is high, take “mini” relaxation breaks.

Allow Enough Time
Leave holes in your schedule. Get up earlier. Overestimate the time you need to get things done.

Don’t Wait Until You Are “Stressed Out”
Manage your stress by doing the above things regularly. Don’t wait until you are at the end of your rope. By being proactive, you can manage your stress rather than having your stress manage you.