Stress may be seen as an intense exertion causing much strain and/or effort. It is the wear and tear of life. Here are some ideas for coping with the stress in our lives.
RESPECT YOUR ABILITIES: Recognize your needs, forgive your errors.
DEFINE TASKS AT HAND: Determine what you want to accomplish and how you will proceed realistically. Work on one task at a time. Where anxiety creeps in, think about what else you may be trying to do and recheck your expectations. Are they too high?
LEARN TO ACCEPT WHAT YOU CANNOT CHANGE: Some circumstances are beyond our control. Accept realistic expectations and go about achieving them, with assistance if needed. Recognize your own limitations and the limitations of others.
CONFIDE TROUBLES: At times, confiding worries to a special friend or trained professional may relieve your stress. Often another person can help you to see your problem in a new light or find a possible solution. Worry constructively.
RELAX CREATIVELY: Take time to do something you really enjoy, or learn the art of loafing. If you set aside time to relax, don’t let anything interfere; even worrying about what you are not doing.
WORK OFF TENSIONS: Try a physical activity like walking, playing a game, gardening, chopping wood, or playing the piano.
TREAT YOURSELF TO SUFFICIENT SLEEP: Know how many hours you need. Is it 6, 8, or even 10? Having enough sleep regularly will help give you a refreshed energetic outlook on life.
TAKE MEDICATION CAUTIOUSLY: A physician may prescribe medications which may help relieve tension. Use only under his or her direction. Do not take sedatives or tranquilizers prescribed for others.
GET AWAY: Getting away physically and/or mentally can work wonders, especially as a preventive measure. If possible, take a vacation on a regular basis. If not, take a weekend off or even a few hours to bike ride or take a walk. Or, take a mental mini-vacation in order to provide a break in the day-to-day routine. It is always fun to plan a vacation to take in the future when your life is less complicated.