Look at stress management as an investment in your health, and probably your life. An investment that pays off is a fun investment, wouldn't you say? The stress management techniques you will learn will become the greatest tools if you wish to enhance the quality of your life.
First
What is stress?
We feel stress when we face a situation that we are not sure we can handle successfully. It could be something we have never encountered before or something we have done unsuccessfully and don't wish to experience failure again. The stress is created by our thoughts as we consider the situation.
In the thinking process our values play an important role. What we value highly is much more sensitive to failure and criticism than that which we consider unimportant.
What is stress management?
When our thoughts and feelings are focused on the difficulty of the situation and we have doubts of our capability to handle it we need stress management. When dealing with stress we help our mind to think more clearly, more relaxed and in a more opportunity (instead of problem) oriented way.
Stress management options.
First and formost it is a good idea to find out what caused you to feel stress. This is to get away from the stressor as soon as possible and thereby lessen the stress, and also to avoid this stressor in the future.
Secondly if your reaction to the stressor is intense you might need an immediate stress relief so you can proceed dealing with the stress in an organized way. This is applicable if you feel like crying or if you feel anger, but with other reactions too.
Once you feel a bit more relaxed about the situation you will need to deal with both your feelings and thoughts as well as the situation in itself. Usually this will require some of your time and it is important that you take that time, very soon.
To postpone your actions to the future instead of dealing with it right away will only bring on more stress. So, set an appointment with yourself as soon as possible.
There are some pretty bad choices when it comes to handling a stressful situation. Do not choose any of these:
Life is actually rather sweet and exciting, and every time we loose our foothold is an opportunity; a good moment to learn about ourselves and to look for new ways to get things done.
We should always strive for that which is best for ourselves without hurting anyone else. When things don't work out the way we had hoped them to we may feel stressed. Under such circumstances it's okay to be dissapointed but we must also shift our focus to the new situation and set a new goal to work against. This is a very important part of stress management. Therefore, few things are as valuable to master as the ability to accept changes and accept all as is.
Now and then we read reports on how stress is the main cause for many illnesses and medical conditions. There has also been quite a few reports suggesting that something as simple as laughter is the best medicin for some of these conditions. To laugh is such a tremendous wellness factor and it feels good for a long time afterwords too. How brilliant is it not that we have easy access to an excellent stress relief and thereby an enhancer of our physical wellness. Read more about the good laughter.
Just as contageous as laghter can be, just as poisonous is anger and harsh words. To burst out in rage could be compared to how a steam cooker works. Once you let your steem out you feel better, having taken some pressure off yourself. However, your surroundings does not appreciate your behavour. You need to manage your anger to stop the harm you are creating. Find out more about anger management here.
Amongst the many ways to manage stress, positive thinking should be considered one of the most important. As how and what we think is what determines whether we feel negative stress or not the importance is understandable.
Is there anything in your life that seems to have a life of it's own or seem to more or less hang on a thread? Then you may need to get organized to regain control and balance. Sometimes we don't realize we need organization until we try it and enjoy the benefits from it. If you haven't tried it yet, go ahead now and tomorrow you can lean back and grin.
Are you carrying a heavy load of low self esteem? Invest some time and effort in mental training to rid yourself of that burdon. It's urgent, but never too late.
When we feel stress it often, in some way or another, includes talking to others. For instance to recieve information, to forward information, to discuss an issue or to argue for a cause. Every encounter with another person requires some skills in communication. How are your's?
Valuable links on stress management:
Stress-management is a vital mid-life strategy; excessive stress can be health destructive. Mid-life-renewal will give you the insights to help you through.
Be Master of Your Life If you have ever said : 'There must be more to life than this!' Then this Personal Development site is what you are looking for. Learn a combination of insight concepts, mind power, affirmations and E.F.T. Don't just live your life - love your life!
