Planning Stress Management

Deadlines at work, demanding bosses, bills to be paid at home,
kids demanding for time and attention, changes in the
environment, etc. AAARRRRGH. These are the realities of
everyday living that people in an industrialized world have to
constantly contend with, if these factors are not handled
properly this will lead to stress.

Deadlines at work, demanding bosses, bills to be paid at home,
kids demanding for time and attention, changes in the
environment, etc. AAARRRRGH. These are the realities of
everyday living that people in an industrialized world have to
constantly contend with, if these factors are not handled
properly this will lead to stress.

Stress is the wear and tear the body experiences as people
adjust to the ever-changing environment. It is relative to
every individual. What may be considered as stressful to one
person may not be true to another. Since stress factors are
part of daily life, the goal is not to eliminate stress but to
find the optimal level where the stress factors motivate the
individual in continuing his/her life and not be overwhelmed.
This is called stress management.

Life without these stress factors may lead to boredom,
dejection and depression. On the other hand, excess of which
may make one feel tied up in knots. So, how do we know that we
are attaining the optimal stress level?

A clear indication that stress management has not been
practiced or the optimal stress level has not been attained is
the presence of related illness. Most sickness is due to
unrelieved stress such as hypertension, dizziness,
hyperacidity, etc. This indicates that stress must be reduced
in daily living.

So, how does one really manage stress? Two things may be done.
It may be done by either changing the source of stress or
changing one’s reactions to it. As the cliché goes, it’s either
we shape out or we shape up. In doing the former, it’s like
totally quitting the status quo. It’s like giving up totally so
that the stress factor that is present in life is totally
eliminated. Some see this as chickening out or being yellow.
However, this is also relative for the individual because if
the stress factor already affects every aspect of the life of
the individual, getting out of the situation completely may be
the best option. This may also be considered a brave move. The
second option takes a lot of courage and maturity. Being able
to identify and practice appropriate reactions to stressful
situations takes a lot of courage and wisdom. However, with
determination and persistence, this can be achieved.

The best way to manage stress is to first become aware of the
stressors and to observe individual’s emotion and physical
reactions to them. Most often, people ignore the stress factors
and just wish that they would go away. The stressor may be a
person, a situation or an event. The individual must recognize
that a stress factor is affecting his/her life and emotionally
and physically he/she is reacting to it.

After which the next thing to do is to recognize what can be
changed. The change may occur by avoiding or eliminating the
stress factor completely as stated earlier or by reducing its
intensity. This is done by managing the stress over a period of
time instead of on a daily or weekly basis. If possible, it is
best to try also to shorten exposure to stress. This may be
done by taking a break, a sabbatical or a leave whatever
possible so long as the individual avoids the physical premise
where the stress is present. Another way is to devote time and
energy to effect change by practicing goal setting and time
management techniques.

The next stress management technique is by reducing the
intensity of emotional reaction to stress. Simply said, to
avoid worrying too much. The worriers most likely chicken out.
Sometimes perception of the stress factor is exaggerated. It’s
like making a mountain out of a mole. It is best to work at
adopting moderate views. Positive thinkers achieve more than
the negative thinkers.

By not worrying too much, the individual saves his body from
possible physical illnesses. He is protecting his health to
deteriorate due to lack of sleep and inappropriate food intake.

It is best to build physical reserves to be able to manage
stress. The usual exercise is needed for cardiovascular fitness
at least done three to four times a week. Live a healthy
lifestyle because this will be the best armor in fighting the
daily struggle of life.

Lastly, maintain your emotional reserves. The support from
family and friends are still basic necessities in life.

Do not work out for a stress free life, work out to achieve and
live a well stress managed life.

About the Author: Are you a Mom who want's to lose weight, have
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Source: http://www.isnare.com