stress management tips

Stress Management Tips

Everyone has stress, because life isn't something we totally control.
91. Connect with people
A problem shared is a problem halved. A good support network of colleagues, friends and family can ease your work troubles and help you see things in a different way.If you dont connect with people, you wont have support to turn to when you need help, says Professor Cooper. The activities we do with friends help us relax and we often have a good laugh with them, which is an excellent stress reliever.Talking things through with a friend will also help you find solutions to your problems, says Professor Cooper.
92. Have some me time
The UK workforce works the longest hours in Europe. The extra hours in the workplace mean that people arent spending enough time doing things that they really enjoy. We all need to take some time for socialising, relaxation or exercise, says Professor Cooper. He recommends setting aside a couple of nights a week for some quality me time away from work. By earmarking those two days, it means you wont be tempted to work overtime on those days, he says.
93. Challenge yourself
Setting yourself goals and challenges, whether at work or outside, such as learning a new language or a new sport, helps to build confidence. That in turn will help you deal with stress.By constantly challenging yourself youre being proactive and taking charge of your life, says Professor Cooper. By continuing to learn, you become more emotionally resilient as a person. It arms you with knowledge and makes you want to do things rather than be passive, such as watching TV all the time.
94. Avoid unhealthy habits
Don t rely on alcohol, smoking and caffeine as your ways of coping. Men more than women are likely to do this. We call this avoidance behaviour, says Professor Cooper. Women are better at seeking support from their social circle.
Over the long term, these crutches wont solve your problems. Theyll just create new ones. Its like putting your head in the sand, says Professor Cooper. It might provide temporary relief but it wont make the problems disappear. You need to tackle the cause of your stress.
95. Help other people
Cooper says evidence shows that people who help others, through activities such as volunteering or community work, become more resilient. Helping people who are often in situations worse than yours will help you put your problems into perspective, says Professor Cooper. The more you give, the more resilient and happy you feel.
If you don t have time to volunteer, try to do someone a favour every day. It can be something as small as helping someone to cross the road or going on a coffee run for colleagues. Favours cost nothing to do, and youll feel better.
96. Work smarter not harder
Good time management means quality work rather than quantity. Our long hours culture is a well known cause of workplace illness. You have to get a work life balance that suits you, says Professor Cooper.
Working smarter means prioritising your work, concentrating on the tasks that will make a real difference to your work. Leave the least important tasks to last, says Cooper. Accept that your in tray will always be full. Dont expect it to be empty at the end of the day.
97. Accept the things you can t change
Changing a difficult situation isn t always possible. If this proves to be the case, recognise and accept things as they are and concentrate on everything that you do have control over. If your company is going under and is making redundancies, theres nothing you can do about it, says Professor Cooper. Theres no point fighting it. In such a situation, you need to focus on the things that you can control, such as looking for a new job.
98. Acknowledge your feelings
If someone close to you has recently died or you can t be with loved ones, realize that it s normal to feel sadness and grief. It s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can t force yourself to be happy just because it s the holiday season.
99. Reach out
If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
100. Be realistic
The holidays don t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.