Running or even long walks are part of my routing to blow off some steam. It’s a brilliant way to simultaneously catch up on webcasts. Recently, Authentic Living shared that 80% of Americans are stressed. On a daily basis! I was shocked.
Not having enough time to meet tight deadlines, dealing with ridiculous workloads and the never ending email traffic are typical workday stressors. Being stressed at work is stressful! Add stress outside of work to the mix. Being stuck in traffic, coordinating social engagements, finding the missing tax documents. NAPO found that Americans are losing 1 full year of their life looking for misplaced items.
Here are 7 tips to prevent this horrible feeling of being stressed all the time:
- Identify your stressors. Is it physical or emotional stress? Is it temporarily like an upcoming deadline? Or more chronic like the fear of lack of control? If you’re unsure, keep a journal. Describe your experience with details about the situation. What happened? How did you feel? What were your reactions and how did you calm down?
- Recognise you’re getting stressed. Understanding what causes you to get stressed will help you to cope and manage it.
- Identify for coping mechanism. Can you change the situation? Avoid whatever is stressing you or alter the stressor. Say “no” and stop taking on more than you can handle. Avoid people who drain you. If it’s a deadline that’s stressing you, check your time management. Schedule time buffers to accommodate unplanned delays or unexpected emergencies.
- If you can’t change the situation, change your response. Adapt to the stress factor or even accept it. Let go of being Mr or Ms Perfect. Good enough is good enough! Focus on the positives and solutions, don’t drag on about the negative aspects.
- Choose a healthy way to manage stress in the short-term.
Go for a walk or run.
Meditate. Check out this video showing you how to perform alternative nostril breathing.
Get plenty of quality sleep. That means turning your iPhone, blackberry, whatever device off. At least 1 hour before going to bed.
Do jumping jacks.
Smile (it tricks your brain).
Play with a pet. In emergencies, the Red Cross people pet a stuffed dog. It has a calming effect on them. - Make far-reaching changes.
Eat healthy foods. Fast food choices have been proven to bring us down.
Spend time with a friend. Stay connected with your support network.
Be grateful. Every day, write down at least 3 things you are grateful for.
Exercise regularly. Physical activity releases anger and tension. - If you want to learn more about stress, check out these websites:
American Psychological Association http://www.apa.org/topics/stress/
Helpguide http://www.helpguide.org/home-pages/stress.htm
Mind http://www.mind.org.uk/
How do you manage the stress in your life? Share your tip in the comment’s box.
Until next time,
Agni