Articles and self-help - Stress management tips

Stress Tip 1

One of the best solutions is to identify and deal with the source of your anxiety or stress. Sometimes you simply don't know what's causing your stress, so you can start by making a list of what you suspect might be stressing you out. You can begin by asking yourself:

What do you worry about most?

Are there are any nagging thoughts that are persistently on your mind?

Is there something in particular that gets you down or makes you feel unhappy or upset?

These are your stressors. Now ask yourself "If there were one simple change that I could easily make to help me deal with this source of stress what would it be?" Write this change down next to the source of stress.

Stress Tip 2

Go through the list you made in stress tip 1 above, starting with the change that's easiest for you to make.

Close your eyes and use the power of your mind to imagine that you've already made this simple change.

In your mind's eye see yourself as if you've already taken the steps necessary to rid yourself of this source of stress.

Notice what you're seeing, hearing and feeling.

Become aware of the changes in yourself and how calmly and confidently you now handle the situation.

Feel yourself dealing with the situation in a calm, relaxed and controlled manner. Feels good, doesn't it?

Now go ahead and make these changes, not just in your mind, but in reality! Work through your list tackling no more than one issue per day. Some issues may take several days or even weeks or months before you're completely comfortable with them. But if you persist you'll get there eventually!

Stress Tip 3.

When you wake up each morning ask yourself "What's going to be good about today?" Try to come up with at least three things. They can be simple pleasures such as looking forward to a favourite lunch or remembering that the weather forecast had promised a bright sunny day.

Stress Tip 4

When you go to bed each night think of at least three positive things about that day. For example, perhaps a friend had called or you'd put aside some time to relax.

Stress Tip 5.

Keep a mood diary for at least a fortnight. List any times, places, situations, events or people that appear to trigger stress. Also note on a daily basis what you eat and drink and observe if there's a link between these items and how you feel. You may be surprised to find that a pattern emerges. Once you're more aware of what your stressors are, you're in a better position to take positive action to deal with them.

Stress Tip 6.

Prioritise your time. Use your time positively so that you've the correct balance of work time, home time, time with friends and YOU time.

Make a list of things that you feel need to be done. Put the most important at the top of the list. Now score off the bottom ¾ of the list. Aim to do only the items in the top 25% of your list.

These are the high priority items...the rest can wait! Is the world going to grind to a halt just because you've realised that they aren't really that important?

Stress Tip 7.

Exercise regularly. You don't have to join a gym or take up jogging to benefit from exercise. Walking for 30 minutes three or four times a week can reduce stress and help you sleep at night. Make sure that you exercise in a way that's fun for you. It can include dancing (secretly or in public!), gardening or walking your dog.

Stress Tip 8.

Have fun! Think about what you really enjoy doing and do it often. It can be going out for a meal with friends, dancing, listening to music........anything really as long as it makes you happy.

Stress Tip 9.

Plan times in your day that are just for you. .... Spells when you can do whatever you want without anyone expecting anything of you.

Stress Tip 10.

Learn how to relax regularly. Listen to some relaxing music or a relaxation CD. Nowadays there's a huge choice available so you have no excuse. You'll receive a free relaxation CD as part of your therapy treatment when you book a session with me.