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Tips for Managing Stress

The health risks of long-term stress are severe, ranging from increased blood pressure and heart-related ailments to a weakened immune system. Learning to manage stress effectively is vital, both to combat the health concerns as well as to keep it from negatively altering your personality. With a little work, you have the ability to minimize stress and ensure it does not prevent you from living a happy, healthy life.

  1. Practice Healthy Habits

    • Take good care of yourself. The link between your body and mind is strong, and good physical health often equates to good mental health. Be sure to get an appropriate amount of sleep, at least eight hours a night, and adhere to a nutritionally balanced diet. Regular exercise also helps to reduce stress levels, so stay physically active whenever possible. Avoid excessive use of alcohol and drugs, both of which have a strong negative impact on your stress levels.

    Let Go

    • Don't try to direct everything in your life. Some things are too small to concern yourself with and are best dealt with by shrugging them off. Other stressful things in your life, both of the big and small variety, are completely out of your control and are therefore out of your hands entirely. Remember that while you have no power over these things when they happen to you, you do have all the power when it comes to choosing how you react to them.

    Set Realistic Limits

    • No matter how noble your intentions are, you don't have the ability to take on all of your tasks at once, nor do you have the ability to do an infinite amount of favors for others. Set a reasonable limit for each day of what you want to accomplish and stick to it, never stretching yourself thin in an attempt to outperform your expectations. Once your plate is full, it's OK to say no to others. They won't take it personally as long as you decline respectfully.

    Share Your Feelings

    • Everyone goes through stressful situations in life. You don't have any reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed by any negative resulting feelings. If something is upsetting you or causing you unnecessary harm, speak up. Tell your friends, family members or co-workers what's on your mind. Chances are they have felt the way you do at some point, and they may even have advice or feedback to help you better cope with your feelings. If you feel the urge to speak with a professional, seek treatment from a psychologist or other mental health specialist.

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