STRESS MANAGEMENT
Stress is what you feel when you have to handle more than you are used to. When you are stressed, your body responds as though you are in danger. It makjes hormones that speed up your heart, make you breathe faster, and give you a burst of energy. Some stress is normal and even useful. Stress can help if you need to work hard or react quickly.
But, if stress happens too often or lasts too long and can not be handled, it can have bad effects. It can ve linked to headaches, an upset stomach, back pain and trouble sleeping. It can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off disease. If you already have a health problem, stress may make it worse. It can make you moody, tense or depressed. Your relationship may suffer, and you may not do well at work or school.
The good news is that you can learn ways to manage stress.
You can't control all the events in your life, but you can change how you handle them emotionally and psychologically. To get stress under contro:
Exercise is a stress-buster. Walk it out. Your body can fight stress better when it is fit. Engage in physical activity regularly. Do what you enjoy-walk, swim, ride a bike or jog to get your big muscles going. Letting go of the tension in yourbody will help you feel better. Check with your doctor to determine what activity level is right for you.
Maintain a healthy life. Eat healthy and well-balanced meals. Get enough rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.
Learn to manage your time more effectively
Keep a positive attitude
Accept that there are events that you can not control. Try to learn to accept things you can't change. You don't have to solve all of life's problems
Talk it out. Talk out your trouble and look for the good instead of the bad in situations. Plan productive solutions to problems.
Learn and practice relaxation techniques. take 15-20 minutes a ady to sit quietly, breathe deeply and think of the beautiful things in life. When you're angry, smile and count to 10 before answering or responding.
Be assertive instead of aggressive. Assert your feelings, opinions or beliefs instead of becoming angry, defensive or passive.
Limit alcohol, don't overeat and don't smoke. Don't use smoking, drinking, overeating, drugs or caffeine to cope with stress. These measures will just aggravate your condition.
Learn to say NO. Don't promise too much. Give yourself enough time to get things done.
Seek out a mental health professional, social support or counselor if you can't cope on your own. ask you doctor, family or friends for support.
