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Stress & Stress Management Techniques

How disruptive stress is depends on how you perceive and deal with it. Stress can play a positive or negative role in your life. At times, stress motivates you to succeed or push yourself to finish a project. Other times, stress is overwhelming, making it difficult to feel fulfilled. Stress management techniques can help you develop a new perspective regarding the stress in your life.

  1. Good Stress

    • Often, stress, such as a deadline or special assignment, compels you to do a better job. This form of stress can help you focus and increase your work energy and productivity. Physical exercise temporarily stresses the body; however, the health benefits of exercise keep the body healthy, balanced and strong. Physical exercise reduces overall stress and helps to lose or maintain weight and prevent disease.

    Taking Control

    • When you are experiencing stress, it's vital that you learn the proper steps to manage it to avoid long-term effects of chronic stress. It is impossible to be entirely stress-free as normal everyday events can be stressful. Stress management techniques put the control of your stress in your hands, enabling you to reduce effects on your mental and physical health. People experience different levels of stress, and events affect people differently. Having a support network and taking care of yourself greatly reduces stress in your life.

    Letting Go of Anger

    • Although it can be difficult to let go of events in your life that have deeply wounded you, you can learn to make a conscious decision to avoid becoming angry or upset about something trivial or unimportant. You can then put that energy into something positive in your life. Managing your anger will greatly reduce the stress in your life. However, holding all of your anger in may result in depression and can cause chronic stress. Talk to a friend or therapist, or channel that anger into something positive.

    Quick Stress Busters

    • Speaking slowly gives you time to breathe and think. You will also appear to be less anxious about the situation at hand. Take a few deep breaths before facing the stressful situation. If you have a few minutes to spare, try meditating. To gain a new perspective, excuse yourself to go outside for a breath of fresh air. Snack nutritiously, and drink water throughout the day to avoid unnecessary physical stress on your body. Avoid procrastination by completing small tasks first. This will shorten your to-do list.

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