Stress is simply the way we react physically, mentally, and emotionally to various conditions, changes, and demands in our life. A certain amount of stress in one's life is good, for it keeps us engaged, focused, and moving forward. However, too much stress can be very bad and detract you from efficiency and happiness.
Here are nine tips to help you manage your stress.
1. Know what stresses you most.
It is not your co-worker, friend, husband, or wife, but you! Get your feelings out. Write them out and describe each situation. Share all bad feelings with a friend or in a journal. Before you can conquer your stresses you must know what is stressing you.
2. Say no.
Focus on your own goals, not your spouses or parents'. You must know yourself, your dreams, and your passions. If you are asked to take on another responsibility, look at your mission statement or goals for the day. If it does not fit it, say "thank you but I just cannot". Saying no is one of the hardest things in life, but will help make you a success in your chosen field.
3. Learn to relax.
Work hard but know when to take time off to be with the family, go to the beach, or read a book. Work all day if you must but when you get home play in the snow, watch cartoons, or tell your child a story. This allows stress tension to go away and helps you calm the heart's pace and digest food normally, and protect your immune system. Learn to meditate and take deep breaths to calm down.
4. Eat healthy.
Eat less junk food and more fruits and vegetables for an amazing overall lowering of stress levels. We can actually lower the amount of the bad stress hormone by taking vitamins. Take those vitamin pills daily.
5. Keep laughing.
Keep a sense of humor. Studies show a good attitude helps lower cancer rates, makes surgery more effective, and keeps a relationship together through hard times.
6. Ask yourself WHY.
Why are you doing this? Write down your needs, goals, hopes, and dreams. Does what you are doing now help you get fulfill any of these things? What is your motivation? The more you understand why you do what you are doing, the less stress you will have. If you can not come up with a good reason, then stop doing it.
7. Stay active.
Exercise is a great way to relive tension and gives you a great break from exams. A healthy body makes a happy body. Even a three-minute jog is helpful in taking your mind off your pressures. You'll come back with an acute focus and renewed energy.
8. Follow your bliss.
Try to know which subjects and types of people you enjoy. Structure your life around activities that you love. The more you do in life that goes with your own flow, the more passion you'll have for what you are doing.
9. Organize and Prioritize.
Do the worst and hardest tasks first. Keep a to-do list and calendar with you at all times. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
