26 ways to minimize and manage the unhealthy effects of stress, anxiety and burnout.
No doubt about it - we live in an increasingly competitive and stressful world. In many subtle and not so subtle ways it affects us all and it's not unusual for people to lace their conversation with phrases like 'Stressed out', 'Anxiety syndrome', 'Panic attack', 'Burned out', and more. That's today's reality.
The question is, how do we go about dealing with that kind of world? What can we do to minimize the prolonged, unhealthy effects of a stressful environment? How can we prevent stress, anxiety and burnout from becoming a way of life?
Well, first we need to take a good hard look at what exactly is stressing us out and perhaps do a bit of repair work on our perspective of the situation. A good way to do that is by reviewing some very basic and constructive advice that has always been available but is often forgotten in our daily scuffle to get ahead.
For the most part, the advice is based upon common sense and can often provide clarity and guidance in stressful situations.
That said, study the list below to see if it contains something that will work for you. At first glance, these suggestions may appear deceptively simple but each will, nonetheless, require dedicated effort and discipline.
1. Don't try to please everyone. It's impossible, debilitating and very stressful.
2. Stop living your life according to the beliefs, opinions and prejudgments of others. Its your life, not theirs.
3. Create dependable friendships with people who can be counted on to support your effort to change, learn and grow.
4. Try to make changes gradually. Doing so will help you to maintain a more positive outlook as you progress. Attempting to change too much too soon often leads to disappointment.
5. Establish priorities that are consistent with your own values.
6. Examine your beliefs and goals. Are they unrealistic or unattainable?
7. Accent the positive and learn from the negative.
8. Focus on the present. The past cannot be changed. The future hasn't arrived yet. That leaves you with now. Now is the time to create the future you desire.
9. Are you a workaholic? If so, try to create a more balanced lifestyle. By so doing, you'll minimize a lot of stress too.
10. Choose a goal that you can be proud to work toward and which enhances and maintains your self-respect.
11. Don't forget to take short breaks throughout your workday.
12. Think ahead. Always have a plan B in case plan A does not work.
13. Mistakes happen. If it's your fault, admit it and don't waste time and energy with excuses.
14. Take the time to exercise regularly. Exercise is a good stress-buster.
15. Improve your relationships. Give up those that lead nowhere and drain your energy.
16. Pace yourself. Know your limits. If you feel you can go the extra mile and it's a worthy goal, then go for it...but don't obsess or overdo. Sometimes, less is more.
17. If a situation or workload appears overwhelming don't panic. Instead, analyze the problem and divide it into smaller, more manageable parts to be completed in an orderly manner.
18. Trying to be king of the hill is ok so long as it remains a game. When it becomes a stressful, obsessive and competitive desire to win no matter the cost, you've got a problem.
19. A little humor can often diffuse a tense situation.
20. Don't take yourself too seriously. Lighten up...your friends and co-workers will appreciate it and you'll feel better.
21. Continual worry or guilt solves nothing. Take action by changing what you can, ignoring the rest and concentrating your effort on creating a better future.
22. Choose work that: (a) you enjoy (b) you are capable of (c) produces results that are helpful to and appreciated by others.
23. Get plenty of sleep and rest. Sleep deprivation is a major cause of burnout, stress and anxiety.
24. Listen to soothing, relaxing music that provides the space you need to pause, reflect and regenerate.
25. Unreasonable deadlines can be very stressful. Try to establish a schedule that is realistic and manageable.
26. If a problem or situation is too complex for you to handle, seeking the aid of a qualified professional counselor or doctor may provide the help and guidance that you need.
Copyright ? 2003-2005 Channel 1 Records All rights reserved
Bill Reddie is the owner of Channel 1 Records, a company that has been producing music for stress relief and stress management since 1972. Further information regarding the beneficial effects of music and its potential for relieving stress, anxiety and burnout may be found at: http://www.channel1records.com
Airbnb cleaning service Glenview ..As Montaigne said, "he who fears he will suffer, already... Read More
Let's take a look at some of the more serious... Read More
The brain uses feel-good transmitters called endorphins when managing daily... Read More
Q. So many times in my life, I seem to... Read More
Elizabeth, 32, cried during anger management class as she told... Read More
In a recent CMA survey of 2251 physicians, over 45%... Read More
It is no secret that stress and related disorders are... Read More
Life would be so wonderful if it weren't for other... Read More
"Learn how to turn frustration into fascination. You will learn... Read More
Workplace stress is on the rise and it's costing corporate... Read More
To be a safe and predictable person for those around... Read More
I hear from many people that they see ever increasing... Read More
What is the greatest fear of man? Is it death?... Read More
When Army leaders fail to control battlefield stress, they lose... Read More
"We do not stop playing because we grow old. We... Read More
Make stress less of an issue for you in your... Read More
The right amount of stress can be good for you,... Read More
Stress management is a hot topic; stress-related illness and suffering... Read More
"Slow down, you move too fast, you've got to make... Read More
David Bowie once sang, "Ch-ch-changes, tryin' to face the strain."And... Read More
A grandfather, whose grandson came to him angry at a... Read More
There is good stress, and there is bad stress. Good... Read More
You can learn a lot by watching children playing. There... Read More
My work often deals with proactive, preventive means to Overcome... Read More
Are You Too Stressed?Is your stomach all tied up in... Read More
efficient cleaning crew Highland Park ..Case #1- Elizabeth, a 40 year old homemaker was always... Read More
I just got through reading some troubling news in the... Read More
I learned a valuable lesson recently. A short while ago,... Read More
STRESS & TIME MANAGEMENT: Stress is either the source or... Read More
Many of my readers write to me about the tensions... Read More
Loneliness and separation are the real illness of our times.... Read More
Picture the following scene:It's Sunday evening, the weekend is winding... Read More
Shit happens. I know this to be a fact, because... Read More
Who hasn't experienced "worry" at one time or another? Almost... Read More
Insomnia is usually the result of the modern way of... Read More
Stress affects different people in different ways, but affect them... Read More
1. The Law of EveryoneIt is not neccessarily wrong to... Read More
When was the last time you took a day just... Read More
One of my favorite stories about change is the story... Read More
Stress Vs PressureStress is something we all have, it's not... Read More
You probably think I'm wacko, but it's true - stress... Read More
Seems like more and more they are all around us.... Read More
Life is so busy and as mothers we spend so... Read More
Mark Twain once said, "It's not what we don't know... Read More
"Let your mind be quiet, realizing the beauty of the... Read More
Q. I have just recently come to recognize that I... Read More
Let's face it! The majority of our time is either... Read More
I am worried. I have been biting my nails for... Read More
With how busy we keep ourselves on a day to... Read More
It was one of the first words you learned to... Read More
Stress Management |