Stress is different things to different people.
Stress is very individualized; what stresses one person may not be a stressor to another person.
Whether something becomes a stressor to you depends on a variety of variables in you and your life.
Stress is very individualized; what stresses one person may not be a stressor to another person.
Whether something becomes a stressor to you depends on a variety of variables in you and your life.
Your response to the stressor also depends on your physiological state. Every stress transaction we’re involved in is affected by our health, sleep, psychoactive substances, our food intake and our daily activity.
Yet at times we feel like we’re powerless to stressors.
A Toolbox for Coping with Stress
1. Reorganize.
Take time to exercise or walk for 30 minutes each day, this is your basic defense against stress.”
2. Rethink.
What your mind tells you about a potential stressor will determine whether it becomes an actual stressor, always think of the positives. Do not let the baggage drag you down; simply leave the baggage at the door. Think positive - "No stinking thinking" as my friend Patti would say!
Be aware of "that" baggage and how it impacts you and your life.
3. Reduce.
This is the balancing act- know how much you can do and if it is too much reduce something or somewhere. This may mean dropping a course or saying "No" to a community commitment.
4. Relax.
Try some deep breathing or muscle relaxation techniques -practice clinically proven relaxation techniques.
5. Release.
Do something to reduce muscle tension - use a stress ball, vigorous walk, etc.
Ideas from Stress Less, Live More: How Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Can Help You Live a Busy Yet Balanced Life by Richard Blonna, Ed.D, a nationally certified coach and counselor.
adapted from 5 Ways to Stress Less by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. http://psychcentral.com/lib/2011/5-ways-to-stress-less/
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