Tips for Reducing Stress

Stress is an emotional and physical response to events in our lives, resulting in unpleasant feelings such as anxiety, tension and strain.  

Develop Self Worth.
Try not to be too hard on yourself. Respect your abilities. Recognize your needs and forgive your errors.

Prioritize Tasks.
Decide what you want to accomplish and how you will proceed. Work on one task at a time. Where anxiety creeps in, make sure you are not striving beyond your objectives. Keep expectations in check.

Accept What You Cannot Change.
Some circumstances are beyond our control. Accept realistic expectations and go about achieving them, with assistance if needed. Recognize your own limitations and the limitations of others.

Talk About Stress.
At times, confiding worries to a friend or trained professional may relieve your stress. Often another person can help you to see your problem in a new light or find a possible solution.

Find Time for Relaxation.
Take time to do something you really enjoy. Find quiet pursuits. If you set aside time to relax, don't let anything interfere.

Work Out.
Try a physical activity like walking, aerobics, tennis, gardening or any other enjoyable physical pursuit.

Treat Yourself to Sufficient Sleep.
Know how many hours you need. Having enough sleep regularly will help you re-energize.

Limit Caffeine Intake.
Caffeine can interfere with one's ability to relax. Too much caffeine can cause unpleasant feelings of being tense, nervous or jumpy.

Take Time for Meditation, Prayer and Spiritual Renewal.
Meditation has long been acknowledged as a means to a more peaceful state of consciousness. Practice this within the framework of your own spiritual beliefs.

Take Medication Only as Prescribed.
A physician may prescribe medications which help relieve tension. Use only under his or her direction. Do not take sedatives or tranquilizers prescribed for others.