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Stress management
tips can be found everywhere, but which ones really do the trick? After
compiling and comparing the favorite techniques of experts from around the
world, a tally of the votes revealed the list that appears below: ten
proven techniques guaranteed to stop stress.
10. Improve your diet.
Eat more fruits and vegetables. By increasing your antioxidant intake,
you'll also be fueling your immune system. Choose high-fiber carbohydrates
like whole grains or sweet potatoes. The slower acting carbohydrates will
help you relax without the sugar "crash." Cut down on caffeine and drink
more water.
9. Get enough rest.
Our bodies are designed to repair, recharge, and refresh while we sleep.
Without enough sleep, our bodies can't keep up with the daily damage of
stress. In fact, researchers have discovered that the amount of sleep we
get predicts how long we'll live.
8. Put events in perspective.
When you are being stressed by some event or situation, consider its true
importance. Is it really a matter of life or death? How important will it
be a month from now? Or even tomorrow?
7. Think positively.
Think in terms of solutions, not problems. Evaluate each day by reviewing
progress and accomplishments instead of difficulties and setbacks. It
probably wasn't really the worst day of your life.
6. Take a time out.
When you've been doing battle for a few hours, it's OK to call time out.
Step away from whatever is getting to you. Give yourself a few minutes to
take a deep breath, say a prayer, listen to music, or do nothing at all.
The few minutes of work you give up will be more than compensated by the
fresh perspective you get from your change of focus.
5. Exercise.
Exercise prepares us for the battle with stress. It helps us look and feel
better, increases our energy levels, and improves our general mood.
Exercise enhances our self-esteem and confidence, and helps us think more
clearly. A health club or home gym is not required. Just do something
that's fun and gets you moving.
4. Simplify your life.
Not everything in our life needs to be in our life. We all accumulate
excess baggage. Simplify by clearing out the physical clutter. Give things
you no longer need to people who could use them. Evaluate your everyday
tasks and commitments, and delegate what you can. Keeping your life simple
may mean saying no to some things so you can concentrate on what's
valuable.
3. Do the stuff you hate first.
Try to tackle your most difficult or stressful tasks early in the day. We
are most resilient to stress after a good night's sleep. Hitting these
tasks early puts the source of our stress behind us. Don't procrastinate
and let tasks accumulate. Learn how to break big projects up into
manageable bits and get started.
2. Do something that you love.
Find something you love doing, something just for you, and do more of it.
At least once a week spend some uninterrupted time doing something that
makes you happy. Hike in the forest. Write a poem. Take up a hobby. Time
spent doing something you love will refuel your sense of enjoyment and
refresh your peace of mind.
1. And finally, the number one stress management technique: Laugh.
There are numerous ways to manage stress, but there's no one-size-fits-all
solution. You need to discover what works best for you. These top ten
techniques are a good place to start your quest for a happier, healthier
and longer life. |
