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How to Reduce Stress

Posted by Admin on March 29th, 2009 filed in Uncategorized

woman_in_stressIs a stress-free life possible?  Stress is a response to challenges. A life without challenges would be quite boring when  you think about it. Most stress is unnecessary, though, and we should try to eliminate it if possible. There are some methods for reducing daily stress. It’s not a quick fix, but if you apply these methods you should be able to reduce the stress in your life over time.

  1. Identify the Stressors: Figure out what stresses you out. Take ten minutes to think about your daily and weekly stressors and what causes these stressors. Make a list and then look at your list to determine what can be eliminated from your life.
  2. Eliminate Commitments: We all have commitments that are unavoidable. I’m not talking about things like work, family, home maintenance, etc. These things are unavoidable. However, consider each of the other commitments you have, the positive things you get out of them and the amount of stress they create. Remove the commitments that are not worth the stress they cause.
  3. Procrastination: Don’t allow things to accumulate. Make a “Do it Now” habit to keep your inbox and desk free of piled up work.
  4. Disorganization: It seems like even the best organizational systems tend to shift toward disorder over time unless we are scrupulously diligent about maintenance. Disorganization creates stress, however, so it should be avoided if at all possible.
  5. Running Late: Running late causes stress because of the rush involved. Strive to be early instead because there is much less stress if we are habitually early. Make a note of how long it takes you to do certain things so you know how much time to allow to get yourself out the door.
  6. Let Go of Control: A need for control causes stress. When we try to control situations and people we create stress. Learn to let go…the only thing you can control is yourself.
  7. Limit Multitasking: While it may seem that having a bunch of stuff going on at the same time is making you more productive, this way of doing things actually causes stress and prevents a focus on one task.
  8. Eliminate Energy Suckers: Have you noticed certain activities that drain your energy? Certain things tend to create exhaustion. Identify these things and eliminate them.
  9. Avoid Difficult People: We all have these people. If possible, avoid contact with these people.
  10. Simplify: Simplify your routines, your commitments, your clutter.
  11. Un-Schedule: Keep wide open blocks of time that are unscheduled. You will come to love having an open schedule like this.
  12. Slow Down: Take things at a slower pace. Enjoy mealtime, enjoy your family, enjoy nature.
  13. Help Others: Helping others gives you a good feeling and also lowers your stress level.
  14. Relax: Take mini-breaks during the day. Stop what you’re doing, get up and stretch, walk around, get a drink. Life doesn’t have to be all about productivity.
  15. Exercise: This not only relieves stress, but also prevents it. Exercising helps relieve stress and makes you more fit. A fitter person is better able to handle stress.
  16. Eat Healthy: Become healthier your stress levels will dissipate measurably.
  17. Be Grateful: Develop an attitude of gratitude. Eliminate negative thinking and reduce stress. Learn to be grateful for what you have and the people in your life.

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