Stress
Management
TIPS
TO MANAGE STRESS
We all have stress
in our lives. Some stress adds flavor, challenge, and excitement.
Too much stress, however, can cause problems. Here are 10
techniques to help you manage stress.
1. Learn To Relax
Throughout the day, take mini-breaks. Sit down and get comfortable.
Slowly take a deep breath in, hold it, and then exhale very slowly.
At the same time, let your shoulder muscles droop and relax your
body. Visualize a pleasant, restful scene and say something positive
like I am relaxed.
2. Practice
Acceptance
Many people get distressed over things they feel they can’t
accept. Often these are things that are not under their control,
like someone else’s feelings, beliefs, or behavior. Try
to let go of things over which you have no control, and see how
much lighter your feel.
3. Talk Rationally To Yourself
Ask yourself what real impact the stressful situation will have
on you in a day or a week. Are you feeling aggravated by a temporary
situation? Try to imagine how large this problem will loom given
the passage of time.
4. Get Organized
Develop a realistic schedule of daily activities that includes
time for work, sleep, relationships, and recreation. Use a daily
To Do list to help you use your time and energy as efficiently
as possible. Improve your physical surroundings by cleaning your
room and work area.
5. Try Physical Activity
Physical activity has been proven to provide relief from stress.
Develop a regular exercise program to help reduce the effects
of stress before it becomes dis tress. Try walking, aerobics,
jogging, dancing, swimming--any physical activity you enjoy will
work.
6. Reduce Time Urgency
Practice the notion of pace, not race. If you frequently
check your watch or worry about being late, allow more time than
you think you will need to get things done. The reduction in the
amount of stress you feel as you go through your daily tasks will
be a reward in itself.
7. Don’t Dwell on Contrasts.
Competition breeds stress. Learn to notice the similarities between
yourself and others rather than the differences. In so doing,
you will replace separateness, greed, and jealousy with compassion,
connectedness, and harmony.
8. Balance
Work and Fun.
Balance school and work demands with some fun and private time.
Hobbies are good antidotes for daily pressures. Unwind by taking
a quiet stroll, watching a sunset, enjoying time spent with friends
or simple activities.
9. Watch Your Habits.
Eat sensibly - a balanced diet will provide all the necessary
energy you will need during the day. Avoid non-prescription drugs
and minimize your alcohol use - you need to be mentally and physically
alert to deal with stress. Be mindful of the effects of excessive
caffeine on nervousness.
10. Talk
To Friends.
Friends can be good medicine. Daily doses of conversation, regular
social engagements, and occasional sharing of deep feelings and
thoughts can reduce stress quite nicely.
Counseling Services offers free, confidential personal counseling
to help you deal with stress management issues.
Counseling Services
Eastern Michigan University
Top Floor, Snow Health Center
734.487.1118
