TWELVE STEPS TO COPE WITH STRESS

1. Take good care of yourself

Work as hard on your personal/family life as at work. A happy home life is essential for a stress-free existence.

2. Learn to accept, philosophically, what you cannot change. 

Don’t waste your time trying to change what you cannot control. Try to accept it and work on changing how you react to the problem.

3. Accept your humanness

It would be terrific never to make a mistake, but that is unrealistic. Strive for progress, not perfection.

4. Give in occasionally, even if you think you are right

You will be much freer of tension if you do not insist on winning every argument, especially unimportant ones. Pick your battles.

5. Learn to be “self-caring” once in a while

Simplify your life. Say “no” more often, and you will be amazed at how much stress is alleviated by giving up unrewarding or unimportant activities.

6. Take one step at a time

It is self-defeating to try solving every task or problem at once. Solve problems in small steps, and you will not be overwhelmed or procrastinate.

7. Avoid self-medication

This includes alcohol, chronic drug use, and cigarettes. These mask the problem and provide temporary solutions; they do not help solve problems in the long run.

8. Talk out your worries and frustrations

Share with someone you trust and respect. Talking it out releases pent-up feelings.

9. Practice the power of positive thinking

Negative thoughts increase stress. Turning negative thoughts and attitudes into positive ones reduces stress and enhances hope and serenity.

10. Exercise

Moderately vigorous physical exercise of 30 – 40 minutes at least three times weekly has significant physical and psychological benefits. It burns off stress, releases mood-enhancing brain chemicals, relaxes tense muscles, and distracts from worries and problems.

11. Get enough sleep and eat nutritious 

7 to 8 hours of sleep are needed to deal productively with stress, as is a balanced diet low in fat, sugar, salt, and caffeine.

12. Learn some simple relaxation procedures 

There are ways to reduce stress-induced tension through simple relaxation procedures, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, massage, and walking.

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