Anything taken too much is bad for the health. A
little stress is actually good, as it could serve to help you function at your
best. However, stress that seems a little too much could take a physical, as
well as mental, toll to your body. Stress should be managed in order for
depression or anxiety to be prevented.
So how should you do it then? The following are
tips and advice to help manage stress.
Write it out, schedule it out.
It is best to write down everything that seems to
be overwhelming. You will find a things-to-do-list much easier to manage than
having errands all crumpled up in your head. Writing down the tasks, and
putting a specific schedule and time to do them, helps anyone manage activities
one chunk at a time. Crossing out an activity that has already been
accomplished is very rewarding and could actually help you feel more relaxed
when doing the other tasks at hand.
One at a time works.
Focus and put all your attention specifically on
one task at one time. It does not help
to feel panicky about the other undone or to-do tasks. Thinking about them only
adds unnecessary stress and could even hamper in doing the task you are
attempting to accomplish at present.
Relax and take it slow.
At least, try not to expend too much energy on
activities that are currently not priorities. This is in order for your energy
to be not easily expended on the tasks that are not that important, at least
for now.
Delegate, delegate, delegate.
You need not do everything all at once, and you
need not do everything on your own. Ask for help, get help, or pay for
help. When there is a feeling of being
overwhelmed that is cropping up, hire someone to mow the lawn or get a sitter
for your children. The feeling of being pressed to finish something on time
will somehow be eliminated if tasks are delegated. It takes a load off
unnecessary worry and anxiety. Moreover, it is easier checking up on how things
are, than worrying yourself sick doing everything on your own, all at once.
Give yourself a reward.
You deserve it. Acknowledging your
accomplishments, no matter how big or small, is an effort that is necessary
before getting on to the next tasks and activities. It reduces stress and could
even make you happier in doing the next task.
Give yourself a break.
You need it to be more productive. A ten to
fifteen minute break during your work is necessary. Go visit a café nearby,
take a quick brisk walk, or do anything to put your mind off work, at least for
a while. This is necessary to refresh and recharge. Believe it or not, you can
also stay in your work and sit with your eyes closed as you visualize a
peaceful landscape or a relaxing scene. This frees the stress from your muscles
and your mind.
Relax and be cool. Doing so makes you healthier,
happier, and a lot more productive.
