How to COPE with Stress
July 8th, 2009
Stress is usually the result of doing more things than you are able to cope with. Here are a few tips that might help you deal with stress when it comes.
- Set your priorities and put the rest aside. “Write out or plan work and learn to say NO to things,” says Shiamala.
- Talk about it with a friend or family member. Sharing your problems with others can be therapeutic and you may end up with some useful advise as well.
- Take a day off work. If your job is stressful, leave it aside for a day or two to do activities that are relaxing.
- Take up alternative therapy such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, tai chi, reflexology, meditation and soft music therapy, which is good forms of diversion and distraction for the brain, says Shiamala. “Even a warm bath or massage will help in relaxing the body.”
- Learn to delegate. If you have a high paying job that is stressful, pass some of the work to your subordinates otherwise you might end up being overstretched and overstressed.
- Manage your time. Bad time management can cause unnecessary stress, so planning your schedule well and sticking to it will help you stay relaxed.
- Do something you enjoy everyday. Make time for fun and leisurely activities, whether its watching television for a few hours or playing your favourite sports.
- Eating well and getting enough sleep is very important. Maintaining a good diet and sleeping well will help give your body a good start to the day, enabling you to cope with things better. If you are having an important meeting in the afternoon, avoid food that is spicy or heavy in carbohydrates so you dont feel drowsy.
- Avoid caffeine. Caffeine increases stress levels and aggravates symptoms of chronic stress.
- Get professional help. Talk to your doctor, counsellor at the workplace or psychologist if you need help to relieve stress.
