Stress is a part and parcel of our daily lives. The little things that we encounter every day like driving through heavy traffic, managing large projects at work and doing household chores can trigger stress. Since we have little choice in avoiding it, the only way to cope is to learn to manage stress.
Only when we deal with stress can we lead fuller, more productive lives. Here are some simple stress management tips to help you along.
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Plan ahead
Plan all the activities that make up your day in advance, especially if you are experiencing a tough phase. Having a plan will give you a greater sense of control and help with time management. You will not get anxious over making instant decisions.
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Identify the most important tasks
In times of high stress, the best approach is to focus solely on the most important tasks. Chalk out your priorities before the start of each day to reduce stress at work. Follow a disciplined routine to begin with the most important task on your list and work on it till it’s done.
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Give yourself a break
Stress and fatigue go hand in hand. Studies show that people who are more tired suffer greater stress from the same activity. Also, fatigue amplifies both the duration and intensity of stress.
Getting ample rest is one of the best and most natural methods to beat stress. Planning your day beforehand should give you more time to rest and bounce back.
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Share your situation
Talking about issues and verbalizing problems will help relieve anxiety. Find a person you like and trust to talk to about your situation; approach them for advice. Talking out loud about what’s bothering you may also help you find your own solutions.
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Look for the silver lining
One of the secrets of stress management and personal success is to ask yourself: What did I take away from this experience? What is my learning from this experience?
This exercise will aid in identifying the things you should try to avoid and the ones you should do more of in order to avoid stress.
Look for the lesson in each of life’s curveballs; you will always come away having learnt something new.
Use these tips to manage your time better and achieve balance in your life.