Managing stress

By getting to the root of the cause of your stress, you can not only relieve your current problems and symptoms but you can also prevent recurrences. When you can understand what is causing you stress, you can then try different management techniques in order to relieve the stress you are experiencing.

Stress can be managed through changing the situation which is causing you distress. These changes fall into four categories:

• change your lifestyle choices
• change the situations you are in
• change your thinking
• change your behaviour

What follows is a list of practical strategies that have been found helpful by both doctors and patients alike. Some are simple and can be implemented quickly; others are a bit more involved. All are feasible and beneficial.

Change lifestyle habits

• Decrease your caffeine intake
• Eat a well balanced diet
• Decrease consumption of junk food
• Eat slowly
• Take regular exercise (at least 30 minutes, three times a week)
• Get enough sleep
• Have some leisure time (do something for yourself every day)
• Try relaxation techniques (for example, meditation, self hypnosis, aromatherapy, yoga)
  

Change stressful situations

• Try time and money management
• Be more assertive
• Practice problem-solving
• Possibly change jobs or a relationship if these are at the route of your stress
  

Change your thinking

• Look at things more positively
• See problems as opportunities
• Challenge negative thoughts
• Keep a sense of humour

Diversion and distraction
Take a time-out (anything from a short walk to a holiday) to get away from the things that are bothering you. This will not resolve the problem, but it gives you a break and a chance for your stress levels to decrease. Then you can return to deal with issues feeling more rested and in a better frame of mind.