Coping Strategies To Keep Stress Fit

If you've answered in the same manner as below, you're already practicing some "Stress Fit" strategies. If not, you may want to review the situations and consider alternative strategies to keep Stress Fit that may help you live a good health and more enjoyable life.

Remember, there is no single Stress coping skill that will effectively help you manage your Stress in all situations or all the time. The best approach to Stress manegement is developing a flexible set of techniques that works for you as an indiviidual.

1. The first step to managing Stress is acknowledging the need for change. Take some quiet time to try to identify the source of your Stress. Continuing to deny a stressful situation can have serious long term effects on your heart health. (F)

2. Once you've identified what causes Stress in your life, it's important to find information on how to develop new skills or improve already existing ones. A certified professional can help for your health. (T)

3. A number of problems- an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, muscles tension, poor concentration, irritability, and sleep problems- can all be symptoms of excessive Stress in your life. Don't ignore these signs- they're your body's ways of telling you something wrong. See your doctor or Stress management specialist. This is very important for your health. (F)

4. You may feel that alcohol, smoking or other substances may numb your Stress and help you deal with a difficult situation. But any relief is only temporary, and this behaviour can only lead to additional problems for your physical and emotional health. (F)

5. Setting some priorities and being flexible about things that aren't critical can help you adapt to a particularly stressful time. Learn to manage your time and set realistic deadlines. This should be part of your overall Stress management plan for good health. (T)

6. Realize that there are equally rewarding sources of satisfaction available to you. You may want to look for inspiration in art, literature, philosophy or religion. Or simply spend time on the activities you enjoy. (T)

7. Stressful situations often present an opportunity for you to grow in your positive emotions and attitudes. These can include the ability to see the humour in your situation, to trust in your convictions, and to develop more confidence in the people close to you. (T)

8. Sometimes it may be necessary to re-examine your life goals to see if they still effectively reflect what you want out of your life or career. If they don't, maybe it's time to re-assess your goals and priorities. (T)

9. When you're under pressure or Stress you may be more irritable with the people closest to you. There are more positive ways of letting out the emotional and physical tension contributing to Stress. Try to avoid situations that are bound to be stressful, excercise to reduce tension or remove yourself temporarily from a situation. (F)

10. At times Stress can lead to feelings of anxiety or helplessnes. It's important to break the cycle of negative thoughts, by looking for ways to reduce Stress or cushion how much it disrupts your life. (F)

11. Talking to others can give you a fresh perspective on a stressful situation. Plus, friends and family can be valuable form of moral support when you need to feel good about yourself and very good for emotional health.(F)

12. Sometimes it's important to get some emotional distance from your daily hassle. Take on an activity that makes you temporarily forget what's going on. Enjoy yourself and have a good health. (T)

Merry Christmas to everyone..