Stress Management

          Stress is a state of mental tension and worry caused by problem in your life, work, etc. Stress is something that causes strong feelings of worry or anxiety. Anything that poses a challenge or a threat to our well being is a stress. Stress management starts with identifying the sources of stress in your life and managing them.

Some guidelines for managing stress are as follows :

• ·        Set aside relaxation time. Include rest and relaxation in your daily schedule. Don’t allow other obligations to encroach. This is your time to take a break from all responsibilities and recharge your batteries.

• ·        Connect with others. Spend time with positive people who enhance your life. A strong support system will buffer you from the negative effects of stress.
• ·        Do something you enjoy everyday. Make time for leisure activities that brings you joy, whether it be stargazing playing the piano, or working on your bike.
• ·        Keep your sense of humor. This includes the ability to laugh at yourself. The act of laughing helps your body fight stress in a number of ways.
• ·        Exercise regularly. Physical activities plays a key role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress. Make time for atleast thirty minutes of exercise, three times per week. Nothing beats aerobic exercise for releasing peny up stress and tension.

• ·        Eat a healthy diet. Well nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat. Start your day right with breakfast,  and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals, throughout the day.

• ·        Reduce caffeine and sugar. The temporary “highs” caffeine and sugar provide often end in with a crash in mood and energy. By reducing the amount of  coffee, soft drinks, chocolate and sugar snacks in your diet, you will feel more relaxed and you will sleep better.
• ·        Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Self medicating with alcohol or drugs provide an easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary. Do not avoid or mask the issue at hand. Deal with problems head on and with a clear mind.
• ·        Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.

• ·        Proper stress management will put you on the road to goo health.