Coping with Stress
It is important to identify what makes you feel stressed and try and make changes to lessen the feelings of stress. Identify and challenge thoughts and influences that make you feel stressed. Increase your activity, if possible. Walking is a particularly good way of alleviating stress because activity increases the flow of chemicals in the body called endorphins, which improve mood.
Nine simple stress busters
- Have adequate rest
Although the hours of sleep required by each individual may vary, it is important to have an adequate amount of quality sleep. Lack of sleep may lead to problems including reduced alertness, shortened attention span, slower than normal reaction time, poor judgement and more – all of which may serve to heighten your stress levels. - Make time for recreation
Take a break from your work or usual daily activity. Applying your mind to something other than your every day job or responsibilities provides an important mental break. - Slow down
Lighten up your load of social engagements. Each day make a list of things that you want to get done, put the actions in order of priority and simply cross off the last half. - Reduce excessive work (or school/study) hours
Working longer is not necessarily more productive. Prioritise your activities and lighten your work load where possible - and remember to get up and move each hour if are sitting at a desk all day. - Maintain a nutritious diet
Eat a tasty and healthy diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and quality protein (nuts, eggs, fish & meat). This maintains your blood sugar and promotes energy. Also, drink plenty of water as dehydration has an effect of the way you feel. These links are to websites that can help you on improving your health:
www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au/
www.health.nsw.gov.au/living/nut.html
www.jeanhailes.org.au/issues/nu_eating.htm - Reduce stimulants
Caffeine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system causing stress. Decrease your caffeine intake by drinking more water or herbal teas. - Quit smoking
Nicotine also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing stress. At Mind Advantage, we have a very successful program that helps people to quit smoking. - Share your thoughts
Try to discuss the causes of your stress with people who understand your situation. They may be able to help you develop coping strategies. Joining support groups or developing new interests may be beneficial. Mind Advantage can also help with this as we have caring and qualified counsellors available for you to talk to. - Learn Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
EFT is one of the most effective tools you can use for dealing with stress. The technique is easy and gentle to apply. Mind Advantage conducts regular Introduction to EFT workshops, so contact us to find out more.