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Wednesday, March 5, 2008

How to Manage Stress: A Step by Step Approach

By Ann Triune

Do you know how to manage stress? You should know because uncontrolled stress can damage your physical and mental well being. There are many great ways to help you put stress in control. Sometimes though following stress reduction techniques blindly may not work at all. You need to follow some steps if you want to beat stress effectively.

Step 1: Find Out Why You are Stressed

Stress is just like a difficult problem or medical condition. To be able to effectively resolve the problem, you need to be able to go deep into the root cause. It is only after you find out what keeps you stressed out that you can find the right techniques to use. This may be easier than you think. You just have to look into the professional and personal factors of your life. It's tempting to think that work may be the cause of all your worries. You have to admit though that certain personal relationships and situations may also be taking a toll on you.

Step 2: Move Away or Deal with It

There are two major ways to how to manage stress. You can either confront the cause of your stress or leave it. You make this decision after you have determined the root reason for feeling stressed out. Ideally, major life issues should never be just abandoned. A better conflict resolution is to address the issues to make sure that they never come back to haunt you again. There are however, certain situations that just can't be helped at all. You may for example be in a very destructive relationship that you have spent a lot of time and effort on. When nothing works, it may be time for you to pack up and move on.

For situations that cannot be abandoned, you may use stress management techniques. There are online and on site classes for example in basic yoga. There are also short courses on simpler techniques like mental imagery and deep breathing. The methods that you learn in such classes can be used while you are at work or at home whenever you do encounter stress. There are cases though when all you may really need is a good vacation with some family and friends.

Step 3: Practice Daily Habits

Scheduling relaxing events and activities are a good idea. Often though, you need to learn to manage stress on a daily basis. Dealing well with stress everyday is what you need to ensure that you do not suffer from stress related health problems like heart disease, infections and depression.

One example of a good daily habit that you shouldn't miss is eating healthy food. Add regular exercise and good nights' sleep to the formula and you have a guaranteed stress buster. These good habits will ensure that you have sufficient nutrients in your body and that you are sufficiently rested. Another good habit is to put breaks in between your daily tasks. Take brief time outs to have a refreshing health drink or meal. Sometimes, talking to someone during break time can also make a difference.

Follow these steps on how to manage stress. You'll find yourself healthier and fit to face the challenges of everyday.

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1 comment:

John said...

Developing good habits like these and suppressing bad habits always helpful in overcoming stress symptoms. Here is a proven way to reduce stress habits. Believe me it worked for me and I hope it can be useful to every one to deal with stress habits.