Simple Stress Busters

Stress is probably the main complaint I receive from my clients.  (I am also not immune to stress.) There are many forms of stressors:  work-related stress, relationship stress, family stress.  You will always have some type of stress in your life (you may not have wanted to hear that).  In fact, research has shown that we need some stress in our lives in order to survive.  That is, stress increases our energy levels and stimulates our physiological responses so that we are better equipped to handle challenging or threatening situations.  However, these events should be short-lived.  It is when stress is long-term or chronic and unmanageable that it negatively affects our physical and mental well-being.  So, the key is not to completely eliminate stress, but rather to better manage it.

The following are simple strategies that you can use to manage your stress:

1. Simplify your life.  Eliminate clutter, unhealthy relationships, and unproductive activities.
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Eat right, exercise, and get adequate rest.  If you are rundown physically, you'll have a harder time dealing with stressors.
3. Know what you can and can not control.  Focus only on what you can control.
4. Develop a positive social network.  Cultivate relationships that support you.  If you have relationships that create stress (i.e., negative energy), eliminate them or at the very least limit the interactions you have with those individuals.
5. Engage in relaxing or enjoyable activities regularly.  Spend time on your hobbies or interests.  Or, take some time to develop hobbies or interests.
6. Take 5.  Take 3-4 five-minute "breaks" during your day to de-stress (e.g., take a deep breath, stretch, step away from your desk, etc.).

Start incorporating these strategies in your daily routine to help you deal with stress.


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