Stress

I'm posting this Lifescript article because we all could use some advice on stress reduction.

Learn to Manage your Stress

Stress affects you not only mentally, but can also start to wear on you physically, lowering your immune system's defense against illness, leaving you sick and weak. We have 6 great tips that can help you to deal with unavoidable stress as it happens, as well as help you prevent future unnecessary stress.

1. Know Your Stress
You've just been promoted at work. Your body's response to this exciting event is stress, but it's definitely a good stress, known as eustress. Distress, on the other hand, is the negative kind of stress that once it's built up, can leave you unable to deal with life on its most simple level. Negative stress comes from feelings of failure, being overworked, and not having the tools to deal with simple everyday stresses. This second kind of stress is the one that you need to look out for.

2. Organize Your Life
What is bugging you? If you are feeling overwhelmed with life, chances are that there are some loose ends somewhere that you need to tie up. Unfinished "To Do" lists, incomplete projects, and unmet goals weigh down on you more than you may realize. Identify these hidden stressors and tidy them up. You will be amazed at how a little organization in your life can make you feel more complete.

3. Learn To React Better
You can't hide from stress, so when you find your blood-pressure rising and your fists clenching, stop and recognize this reaction and then begin to calm down by closing your eyes and breathing deeply. This will relax your body and allow you to clear your mind. By adjusting this physical response to the stressor, you are allowing your body to deal with the situation at a much more manageable level.

4. Be Healthy
You're going to hear it a million times from us, but being healthy is pivotal to achieving health both physically and mentally. Exercise daily to get rid of unnecessary tension; eat healthy, balanced meals to nourish your body and mind; avoid alcohol and drug use, which encourages the wrong kind of coping; control caffeine intake to keep the jitters away; and finally, get enough sleep…every night!

5. Seek Friendships
When the stress becomes too much to handle by yourself, do you have anyone you can talk to? Whether it's at home, at work, or someplace else, seek out a person that you can share your troubles with. Having a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen to you allows you to get all your troubles out of your head and allows you to listen to what you're saying, thus making you more able to identify how you can fix your problems and will allow you to recognize the problem when it comes along again.

6. Laugh More
Laughter is the cure for everything. Don't believe me? Give it a try and see for yourself! Allow for yourself to have some fun in your life, whether it's reading a good book, or parasailing for the first time. If you don't have time for either of these, learn some new jokes and share them with your partner, friends and co-workers. Adding a little spice and happiness to your life helps to remind you why you persevere through life, even though it has its ups and downs.