Stress is a normal part of everyday life and stress factors are all around us. We see bad news in the daily newspaper every day, we experience pressure on the job, some people have to hold down more than one job to take care of their families, and raising a family in today’s world can present its own stressors. However, some people are more able to manage their stress better than others. When we see these people we wonder what’s their secret. The secret to managing stress is to manage it effectively and there are some tricks to doing this. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
One way to manage stress is to avoid unnecessary stress. There are several ways to do this, the first of which is to know your limits and be able to say “no” when you come close to reaching those limits. The second is to avoid those people who cause you stress. If you can’t turn a stressful relationship around then minimize the amount of time you spend with that person. Next, take control of your environment. If something in your environment makes you anxious or causes you stress then do something to change it. For example, if the news stresses you out don’t watch it or read it.
Another way to manage stress is to alter the situation if you are unable to avoid it. Frequently, this will require a change in the way you talk to people, as well as a change in how you conduct your life. First, you need to find a way to express your feelings and not keep them bottled up. If a person or situation is bothering you, communicate it in a respectful way. Secondly, be willing to make compromises. Be willing to change your behavior when you want someone else to change theirs. Third, become more assertive, especially when it comes to your own life. Do your best to anticipate problems and prevent them if you can. Lastly, develop more effective time management. A great deal of our daily stress is the result of trying to cram too much into our day, especially those last minute things that actually should have been done days ago.
And yet another way to manage our stress is to accept the things we cannot change. This concept is used in many self-improvement programs throughout the world. It’s basically let will be what will be. Don’t attempt to control that which you cannot control. Instead, in those situations look for the upside and look for opportunities of growth in challenging circumstances. If a situation becomes overwhelming talk to someone, perhaps a friend or even a therapist. Additionally, don’t hold on to anger or resentments, and also learn to forgive.
We have looked at some ways to manage stress to help us live a more satisfying and happier life. But there is one very important point that still must be mentioned. That is to learn to adapt to stress. We are highly adaptable beings if we allow ourselves to be adaptable. Stress is a part of life. Adapt to it.
