1. Kick Into Gear With Good Stress
If you're about to give a major presentation or you're stepping up to the starting line of a big race, you're going to feel stress. But this is good stress, the kind that gets your adrenaline running without making you feel too overwhelmed, which can actually help you be more productive and give a better performance.
2. Recognize Bad Stress
When you're past the point of feeling motivated by a healthy level of stress, the negative effects of stress start to take hold of your mind and body. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, but common emotional symptoms of stress include anxiety, frustration, anger, depression and mood swings. Stress can contribute to a variety of health problems such as headaches, back pain, fatigue, weight gain or loss and lowered immunity to colds and other infections. It can also lead to insomnia, nightmares, heartburn, nausea, ulcers, hypertension and even heart attacks and strokes.
3. Take Control Away From Stress
Think about what's been stressing you out. Is it your job, your hectic pace of life, never having time to relax, your daily commute, a stressful relationship or all of the above? Once you've identified your personal stressors, make some positive changes to eliminate them from your life, or at least to lessen their effects on you. For example, do only the necessary tasks or chores on your to-do list and trim all of the excess fat from your schedule. Be realistic about committing to projects so you don't spread yourself too thin. Make sure to get enough sleep every night, eat a well-balanced diet and take small relaxation breaks throughout the day.
4. Relax Your Way to a Healthy Mind and Body
No matter how hard you work to prevent stress from inhabiting your life, you'll inevitably feel stressed out at some point. When it happens, you need to find an outlet that works best for you. Take a yoga or dance class, practice deep breathing, meditate or pray. If those relaxation techniques don't do it for you, go for a jog, take your dog for a walk or lift some weights at the gym. Unwind by watching a movie, reading a good book, taking a bubble bath, writing in your journal or getting a massage.
5. Sharing is De-Stressing
If you feel like you're about to explode from all of the stress building up inside you, take a load off and hang out with your friends. Talk to them about what's been stressing you out and, nine times out of ten, this emotional support will help you feel better. Another great way to combat stress is to find a local support group so you can talk with others who are going through a similar situation and learn how they're dealing with it.
