 |
|
|
More tips on dealing with stress.
Harnessing
good stress
Stress is not always a bad thing — it's what you do with it that's key.
Here are some ways to avoid the pitfalls of pressure overload:
— Think of the glass as half-full. We can't make stress go away, but we
can change how our brains react to it. An optimistic look at life can give more
of a feeling of personal control and help limit the elevation of stress hormones.
— Focus on the task at hand. An unexpected deadline at work or home can
give a burst of hormone-related energy, but don’t feel you have to do
everything at once. If you feel overwhelmed, say "no" to taking on
more tasks.
— Fight the urge to be a superman or wonderwoman. You’re not perfect,
so don’t expect it from others. Prioritize and be realistic about work
deadlines. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
— Exercise. Regular, moderate exercise helps make your body more resistant
to the negative effects of psychological stress.
— Meditate. Try to think of pleasant moments or nothing at all. Just 10
minutes to 20 minutes of quiet time can relax you and increase your tolerance
to chronic stress.
— Be alert to stress clues. Frequent colds, cold sores, backaches, headaches,
difficulty thinking clearly, irritability or insomnia are signals that your
body and immune system are suffering from too much stress.
MSNBC; National Mental Health Association
We've
all said or heard the excuse, “I just don't have the time to think
about stress relief. I'm too busy.” The following quick stress relief
tips leave no room for excuses.