WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

What's the most effective route to managing stress?

Take charge of your life and reduce your level of stress

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

Develop good coping strategies to use when you feel stressed

Practice using them when you're feeling calm so you can call on them when your stress level rises.

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

Learn relaxation techniques, practice meditation, and engage in a pleasurable physical activity.

These methods all help to counter the stress response in the body.

If you can't learn them on your own, sign up for a course on relaxation techniques

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

If your coping mechanisms are drinking, smoking, or overeating when stressed

Commit to breaking those habits, and get help if necessary.

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

Be the "serenity prayer" and decide what you can and cannot change

Take actions to change the things you can.

Try to sidetrack any stress you feel about things you have no control over.

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

If you are worrying about a particular issue or problem, develop a plan of action to deal with it.

If someone can help guide you or give you input, seek out their assistance.

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

It may sound silly, but write down your plan

Make a contract with yourself about what actions you will or won't take

Hold yourself accoutable to it!

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

Practice having a positive attitude. Attitude matters — you can view the

glass as half full or half empty Thinking positively makes a

tremendous difference.

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

Practice gratitude It will focus your attention on the

positive things in your life Gratitude help you see opportunities

and solutions.

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

Work on developing a resilient personality. Resilience is characterized by five traits: Insight — know yourself and accept the truth. Adaptability — respond in creative and

imaginative ways. Responsibility — don't bother with blaming others

or wait for someone else to fix your problem. Commitment — engage with the reality of life and

commit to personal growth. Connection — communicate with openness and

clarity.

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

Keep a journal and write down your concerns and worries

Leave them there, especially before you go to bed at night.

Journaling reduces stress levels and helps life into right perspective.

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

Have more fun Develop your sense of humor Seek out pleasurable activities and

events, and watch more comedy. Laughter is good medicine.

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

Carve out personal time every day Indulge yourself with things that bring

you pleasure: Hot bath Dark chocolate Good book Music Chat with a friend

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

Establish a strong support system among family and friends

Seek them out when you need emotional support or guidance about problem solving.

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

If you are overwhelmed with stress and feel you can't see a way out, or you're struggling with chronic anxiety or depression

Think about seeking help from a professional, if you haven't done so already