How can I avoid stress?
The following is a list of suggestions that may be useful to try and combat stress, some more appropriate to some people than others.
You can try making a 'stress list'. Try keeping a diary over a few weeks or so, and list the times, places, and people that aggravate your stress levels. A pattern may emerge. Is it always the traffic on the way to work that sets things off to a bad start for the day? Perhaps it's the supermarket check-out, next door's dog, a work colleague, or something similar that may occur regularly and cause you stress.
Once you have identified any typical or regular causes of stress, two things may then help.
- If you discuss this with a close friend or family member, it may help them and you to be aware of the reasons why you are feeling stressed. Simply talking it through may help.
- Secondly, these situations can be used as 'cues' to relax. You can use simple relaxation techniques (see below) when a stressful situation occurs or is anticipated. For example, try doing neck stretching exercises when you are in that traffic jam rather than getting tense and stressed.
Try simple relaxation techniques
- Deep breathing.This means taking a long, slow breath in, and very slowly breathe out. If you do this a few times, and concentrate fully on breathing, you may find it quite relaxing.
- Muscular tensing and stretching. Try twisting your neck around each way as far as it is comfortable, and then relax. Try fully tensing your shoulder and back muscles for several seconds, and then relax completely.
Try practising these simple techniques when you are relaxed, and then use them routinely when you come across any stressful situation.
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frances - lifeskills, about 1 year
I fully endorse the suggestions above, however, I would add that you can also build in good self management techniques (e.g. don't take on more than you can handle in your day and learn to say no nicely) and habitual self care strategies e.g. a nice bath with aromatic oils - (lavendar is good for this) or a nice pillow spray to promte better sleep. Pleasant sensory experiences will also help e.g. soothing music soft fabrics etc.. Frances - Lifeskills Trainer and Consultant Practitioner
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