Identifying the sources of stress. Knowing what causes stress for you
can help you cope with it better and provide mental and emotional relief.
Common causes of stress include: work, family, health concerns, unrealistic
expectations, cynical and negative attitudes, sudden traumatic events.
Vitamins and minerals are required to ensure healthy brain and neurological
functionality. The Vitamin B Group is particularly relevant to the brain,
depression and stress susceptibility. Vitamin C is essential to protect
against stress too.
Toxins such as alcohol, tobacco smoke, excessive salt, steroids, and
other pollutants work against the balance between minerals, vitamins mind
and body. Excessive toxins from these sources will increase stress susceptibility
and stress itself.
Physical exercise is one of the most effective strategies for getting
rid of stress. Exercise releases helpful chemicals in our brain and body
that are good for us. Exercise distracts us from the causes of stress.
Exercise warms and relaxes cold, tight muscles and tissues which contribute
to stress feelings. Exercise develops and maintains a healthy body which
directly reduces stress susceptibility.
You may be experiencing stress because your life has become out of balance.
You may be spending too much time and energy on work or on caring for
others at the expense of your own health and well being. Delegate or share
your responsibilities at work and at home. Avoid difficult colleagues,
family members, and acquaintances.
It may be necessary to reorganize your schedule in order to maintain
a more balanced life. Think ahead about how you’re going to spend your
time. Make a "to-do" list. Figure out what’s most important to do. Prioritize
tasks and then work on the most important ones. Delegate less important
tasks. Schedule extra time for tasks, in case of interruptions.
It’s important to care for yourself. No matter how busy you are, you
can try to set aside at least 15 minutes each day in your schedule to
do something for yourself, like taking a bubble bath, going for a walk,
or calling a friend.
Sleeping is a great way to help both your body and mind. Getting enough
sound sleep has a profound impact on your stress levels, immune function
and disease resistance.
Set limits and Learn to say “no.” There are only so many hours in the
day. Set limits with yourself and others. Don’t be afraid to say NO to
requests for your time and energy.
Optimism can counteract the negative impact stress, tension and anxiety
has on your immune system and well being. Having a positive attitude,
finding the good in what life throws your way and looking at the bright
side of things enhances your ability to effectively manage stress.
Set realistic goals at home and at work. When expectations are realistic,
life feels more predictable and manageable.
Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing or massage
can put your body into a state when physiologic events in the stress reaction
are reversed: pulse slows, blood pressure falls, breathing slows and muscles
relax.
One of the best ways to relieve stress is to take time out to enjoy
life - to spend time with people we care about and do things that give
us genuine pleasure.
Humour is a wonderful stress reducer. Laughter stimulates the brain
and causes endorphins to be released, which relax and re-energize us.
Laughing also strengthens the immune system and reduces levels of stress
hormones.
Share worries. Ask for help from friends, family or professionals.
Don't try to be perfect. Don't feel like you must do everything.
If possible, reduce the noise level in your environment.
