Effective Ways to Cope with Stress
The things that cause stress in a person aren’t going anywhere. The monthly bills will surely visit you again the following month and more errands might fill in your schedule. Of course, career and family responsibilities will never leave you and may seem demanding at times. This stuff together with the long list of things that can wear down a person causes stress.
One important fact about stress is it can be managed easily. There is always something that you can do to keep stress triggers away but you can always lower down the stress level to a manageable one. Yes, you heard it right. You have more control to stress more than you know. Matter of fact, a simple realization that you are in control of your life is the basic foundation towards managing stress successfully.
Always remember, the main component to mange stress effectively is to be in CONTROL. Taking charge of personal thoughts, emotions, schedule, environment and the process on how things are dealt. The main goal to stress management is having a balanced life. There should be a balance of time between work, relationship, relaxation and fun. Don’t you dare forget the last part – fun! In addition, a person should also have the resilience to keep up with challenges and hold up under pressure.
- Identify the sources of stress. When a person identifies the things that stress him or her then stress prevention is easy. Although, stress source identification may seem easy, but most people are having a hard time determining them.
- Avoid strategies that offers temporal stress relief. Sad to say, a lot of people are coping with stress in a wrong way. Doing things that reduces stress temporarily but produces more damage in the long run is not a wise move. The following are unhealthy ways of managing stress:
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Eating too much or too little
- Watching TV the whole day
- Keeping a distant from friends, families and activities
- Using pills or drugs to relax
- Sleeping too much
- Procrastination
- Thinking about the problem the whole day
- Displacing the stress to other people such as hitting someone or giving our angry outburst
- Learn to say ‘no.’ One of the major ingredient when cooking the stress recipe is taking too much on what one can handle.
- If a person stresses you out, then avoid him or her. Taking control of the stress means taking control on the triggers. Limiting the relationship or time spent with the person that causes you trouble is the best course to take.
- Manage time wisely. A disorganized schedule produces stress. When time is properly managed a person can hit with the deadline at the spot. No delays, no stress!
- Do not bottle up negative feelings. Expressing problems and stress to someone keeps stress away.
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Daisy Jane Antipuesto RN MN
Currently a Nursing Local Board Examination Reviewer. Subjects handled are Pediatric, Obstetric and Psychiatric Nursing. Previous work experiences include: Clinical instructor/lecturer, clinical coordinator (Level II), caregiver instructor/lecturer, NC2 examination reviewer and staff/clinic nurse. Areas of specialization: Emergency room, Orthopedic Ward and Delivery Room. Also an IELTS passer.
