Stress in our day to day life is just a fall out of our style of living and working. We work long, long hours to get our career in high gear, trying to meet people at smoky late-night clubs or bars. We indulge in cut-throat competition to outdo our rivals in professional lives as well in romantic relationships and losing sleep over both. This non-stop lifestyle adds further stress to our already stressed life, resulting in a bumper crop of ailments, complications and frustrations. If you happen to belong to this elite group, it is perhaps time to pause, think and act.
Stress Management is more than anger management and relaxation. It is self management. You may find some of the following suggestions worthwhile.
1. Feel Good about yourself.
If you’re truly burning the candle at both ends, you need to stop, think and evaluate your style of functioning. Wean yourself away from work for a while. Say a few positive things about yourselves daily even if you do not believe yourselves. Research has shown that over time, feeling good about yourself builds resilience, which can fortify you against stress. Make sure you give yourself at least one day over the weekend to relax, whether it’s by yourself or with family. Some techniques for relaxation you may try are:-
• Deep breathing from the abdomen & meditation.
• Laughter-therapy. Even having a dose of laughter at your own expense may not be a bad idea.
• Progressive muscular relaxation
• Listening to light instrumental or soft music.
• Creative visualization
2. Take Care of your Body.
When we're stressed, we don't always take care of our bodies, which can lead to even more stress. Here are some important ways to take care of yourself and keep stress levels lower.
• Eat healthy low fats & high protein meals.
• Have six to eight hours of regular sleep. Turn off your cell phone & lap top. Otherwise, you’ll never get a truly restful night’s sleep
• Exercise regularly particularly aerobic exercises. Practice yoga
• Get a dose of morning light. Getting out of bed at the same time every morning and sitting in a sunny spot for breakfast or exercising outdoors really helps. It also helps to synchronize your internal clock with your daily routine.
• Periodically go in for body massage. Massage strokes relax your muscles and your psyche
3. Develop the Right Attitude
Attitude plays a great role in managing stress. Much of your experience of stress has a lot to do with your attitude and the way you perceive your life's events. Here are some resources to help you maintain a stress-relieving attitude.
• Let go your Ego.
• Have an optimistic approach to life and start believing that everything that happens is for good. Find an opportunity in every problem
• Do not react under pressure.
• Stop Worrying about things not in your control & accept that everything cannot be perfect.
• Say good things to your self.
• Have a healthy sense of humor
4. Develop the Right Environment.
Having ambiance and pleasant environment make stress management very easy. Your physical and emotional surroundings can impact your stress levels in subtle but significant ways. Here are several ways you can change your atmosphere and less your stress.
• Organise your home, office and working desk neat & clutter free. Use motivational posters.
• Keep your surroundings green and clean as far as possible.
• Listen to light instrumental music.
And finally some tips for world trotting professionals.
• Manage your time & priorities
• Try to be a good listener & develop Communication skills –both in yourself & other team members.
• As a leader, enhance team work by enhancing people skills. Accept that everybody need not be as smart & intelligent as the boss.
R.G.Bhatnagar
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