Stress
Survival Tips
1. Learn to plan. “Disorganization
can breed stress. Having too many
projects going simultaneously often leads to confusion, forgetfulness and the
sense that uncompleted projects are hanging over your head.
When possible, take on projects one at a time and work on them until
completed.”
2.
Recognize and accept limits. “Most
of us set unreasonable and perfectionistic goals for ourselves.
We can never be perfect, so we often have a sense of failure or
inadequacy no matter how well we perform. Set
achievable goals.”
3.
Have fun. “You need
occasionally to escape from the pressures of life and have fun.
Find pastimes which are absorbing and enjoyable to you, no matter what
your level of ability.”
4.
Be a positive person. “Avoid
criticizing others. Learn to praise
the things you like in others. Focus
upon the good qualities those around you possess.”
5
Learn to tolerate and forgive. “Intolerance of others leads to frustration and anger.
An attempt to really understand the way other people feel can make you
more accepting of them.”
6.
Avoid unnecessary competition. “There are many competitive situations in life that we
cannot avoid. Too much concern with
winning in too many areas of life can create tension and anxiety and make one
unnecessarily aggressive.”
7.
Get regular physical exercise. “Check with your physician before beginning any exercise
program. You will be more likely to
stay with a program if you choose one that you really enjoy rather than one that
is hard work and drudgery.”
8.
Learn a systematic, drug-free method of relaxing.
“Meditation, yoga …or progressive relaxation can be learned from
various accredited teachers and licensed psychotherapists.”
9.
Talk out your troubles. “Find
a friend, member of the clergy, counselor or psychotherapist you can be open
with. Expressing your bottled-up
tension to a sympathetic ear can be incredibly helpful in relieving it.”
Taken from “Stress, Sanity and Survival”, written by
Robert L. Woolfolk and Frank C. Richardson.