11 Steps to Stay on Top of Daily Stress

Stay on Top of Daily Stress with these 11 Steps

Stress will always be a part of our lives it is the very core of our existence, so if this is the case why can it have such detrimental effects upon us. The detrimental effects come from the stress not being dealt with or seen in the light that it may be intended. Knowing that what is happening is a normal part of life that our feelings toward the event are normal then learning how we can be support ourselves through such events. In supporting ourselves we then in turn become better able to be supportive with others in their times of stress and daily living. The importance of understanding that there is a higher power than us that will help us to deal with our lives and what is happening.

1. Keep a diary - By keep a list - for at least a fortnight - of events, times, places and people that seem to make you feel more stressed. You will probably be surprised to find that a pattern soon emerges; and this may be linked to time pressure, personality clashes, inappropriate demands or simply trying to do too many things at once. Once you have identified your pressure points you can move on to the following solutions -

2. Talk -Communication with yourself, others and from others is very important and will be discussed in more detail. Finding a good friend someone you can trust to talk to - discussing things often makes you feel better. Ask for impartial advice as to how to ease the problems that you have discovered, or choose the sort of stressful situations that you have identified in which to use the following relaxation techniques.

3. Learn Relaxation Techniques - Practise deep-breathing techniques such as slowly inhaling while counting to five;

hold your breath for five seconds then breathe out slowly. Repeat these 10 times when feeling stressed, concentrating on nothing but your breathing.

#Stretch the muscles of your neck and shoulders by keeping your shoulders level and trying to touch each shoulder with your ear -

#Look right up at the ceiling, down at the floor and then rotate each shoulder in a wide circle. Repeat five times. Open and close your jaw widely after each time since stress often causes tenseness in the jaw area. •

#Take time out - For five minutes every hour, try to 'shut down' and think of nothing but your perfect situation.

#This could be a dream holiday, ideal partner or simply thinking about doing nothing at all.

#You will be surprised at how effectively this can lower stress levels.

4. Exercise regularly you do not have to be a gym freak to get the stress beating benefits of exercise. Even 20 minutes of brisk walking three times a week will help to reduce stress as well as promoting restful sleep.

5. Plan breaks in the day the aim here is to allow time for the unexpected (which, as we all know, will happen!). Get up 15 minutes earlier than you think you need to and prepare for the day without rushing. Even better, get things ready the night before. Try to have 20 minutes in the morning and afternoon that is exclusively 'your' time, in which you can do whatever you want, even if it is simply sitting doing nothing. Look forward to these times when things get busy and if you are unable to use them always remember to 'catch up' later on.

6. Stretch .Sitting upright on a chair, and keeping your back straight, extends your arms out in front of you as far as possible. Hold for ten seconds. Repeat, with your arms behind you. Then hold on to the sides of your chair and push your body upwards. Feel your spine stretch. Hold for ten. Now stretch arms to the ceiling, to release tension in back and shoulders. Relax and shake your arms.

7. Use Scent to improve your mood certain aromas are thought to activate the production of the brain's feel-good chemical serotonin. Drip a few drops of the following aromatherapy oils on a tissue to sniff when you feel stress levels rising: jasmine, neroli, lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and clary sage.

8. De-Clutter Mess creates confusion and a sense of loss of power. If your desk/home/car is messy and disorganized, have a good clear out and tidy up. You’ll instantly feel more in control.

9. Change the habits: Many stresses are habitual. If you start to feel anxious or stressed out, do something out of character. Stop what you’re doing and do something else. Or take a minute to take stock and work out why you’re feeling uptight. Daily affirmations are a great way of altering thought patterns that we no longer find beneficial for us.

10. See the Positives - Being positive doesn’t mean that you ignore the problems it just means that you look at the problems in a different way. The biggest secret is being able to see the good even when it is something not so good happening. If there is a problem and it is directly related to you and within your realm of change then put in the processes needed to change it, That may be learning a new skill, ringing to postpone paying a bill for a couple of weeks. Restructuring things so they work better for you.

11. Learn to Say NO: Sometimes we need to say no to either doing something because we haven’t got the time or we are unable to do it. It may be an outing and we are just too tired because we have been working hard or it may just be that you want some time for you.