WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS
- TALK IT OUT: Don’t bottle up your worries. Confide them in someone you trust. Don’t expect them to tell you what to do. Sometimes just putting the problem into words helps sort it through to a solution.
- ESCAPE FOR A WHILE: When things go wrong, it is normal and healthy to recover your breath and your balance in a walk, a book, a movie, a trip. You will come back better prepared to deal with the problem at hand.
- WORK OFF YOUR ANGER: Outbursts of rage usually solve nothing, but neither does remaining outwardly quiet and calm while you are seething inside. Channel anger into hard, constructive, physical work; return to your problem relaxed and controlled.
- GIVE IN OCCASIONALLY: Of course, stand your ground when you feel you are right, but remember that others have to win sometimes too. It is immature and gains very little in the long run to insist on having your way all of the time.
- DO SOMETHING FOR OTHERS: If you are worrying about yourself a lot of the time, try doing something for someone else. It will take your mind off of your own problems, and give you a warmer feeling about your relationship with the rest of the world.
- TAKE ONE THING AT A TIME: When tasks and problems pile up, don’t be overwhelmed. Attack the most urgent situations first. With an organized approach, it is possible to reduce the chaos to a point where it can be resolved.
- SHUN THE “SUPERMAN” URGE: Don’t demand perfection of yourself. The sure result is tension, frustration and failure. Concentrate on the things you do well; don’t push yourself to do the impossible.
- GO EASY WITH CRTICISM: Don’t demand that everyone live up to your standards. Each person is an individual with human virtues and shortcomings. Look for the good points to commend, rather than the weak ones to condemn.
- GIVE THE OTHER FELLOW A BREAK: Competition is healthy and contagious, but so is cooperation. You don’t have to edge the other fellow out all the time. If you let the pressure ease up a little, you can both relax and get more done.
- MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE: Don’t feel left out or rejected when others are often waiting for you to make the first move. Give people a chance—they do want to know you better.
- SCHEDULE YOUR RECREATION: Don’t drive yourself too hard. Money, success, nothing is worth losing your physical and mental health. Make sure you have time for hobbies, sports and friends. This is insurance for a happier life.
- LOVE YOURSELF: Give yourself credit for what you do well. Take pride in expressing your own individuality. Develop attitude of standing up for your rights.
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