17.8.08

Maria Duval's 12 tips to reduce stress in life

Plan your time well
Be more organised. Make a list of all the things you need to do and arrange them in order importance. Decide how much time you need for each job and then stick to your plan.

Spread out the changes in your life
Give yourself time to adjust from one change to another. For example avoid buying a house, changing jobs etc all at the same time.

Be realistic about what you can do
Choose your work according to your own ability and interest. Do not hope for the
impossible. Set goals for yourself that are achieveable so that you don't become frustrated or discouraged.

Make decisions wisely

Get all the relevant information first - don't make decisions blindly. Consider the good and bad points of each choice. Involve the people who will be affected by the decision in the process.

Learn to like yourself
Don't worry too much about your looks, height, pimples and other faults. Make the best of what you have and learn to accept what you cannot change.

Think positive
Prevent negative feeling from building up. Learn to identify the cause of these feelings and deal constructively with them. Don't blow things out of proportion.

Share your problems
Do not keep all your problems and worries to yourself. Remember you are not alone. Talk to your friend, supervisior, family member or religious leader. They may have had experience with similar situations and they may be able to suggest a solution to your problem.

Build a happy family
Be kind, loving and polite to your family. Treat them the same way you should treat your friends. They will provide you with love and support in times of need. Set aside some time each day to talk, play or relax together. Make your home a happy place to come back to after a hard day's work.

Make friends
Just as you need a happy family, you also need friends to talk to and laugh with, to visit you and go out with you and to help you in times of need. Treat others the way you would like them to treat you. RESPECT their views and be patient with their faults. Try giving in to others sometimes - even when you are right.

Keep Healthy
Keep your body healthy by exercising regularly, eating wisely and getting enough sleep. Do
not turn to cigarettes or alcohol to relieve your stress. Smoking and drinking do not solve
anything and will cause more problems for your health.

Make some time for yourself
Do something that you really enjoy. It could be a hobby like collecting coins or an exercise
activity like dancing. Take a short break when you feel tense or tired. You deserve to have
a little fun sometimes.

Learn some Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing exercise, meditation, massage and muscle relaxation techniques can be
helpful in relieving stress.

No comments: