HOW TO REDUCE STRESS

Here are some effective suggestions for reducing stress from
Caring for the Mind.

• Review commitments and plans, and if necessary, scale them down. Assess what you are doing and ask why. Is it because you want it or you feel you should do it? The strategy is to make sure that the shoulds do not overwhelm the want-tos in our life.

• Watch alcohol intake.Contrary to the belief of many people, alcohol impairs the ability to cope.

• Recognize stress signals. Is your back bothering you more? Do you find yourself speeding in your car or misplacing things? Whenever you see these early warnings, force yourself to stop and say "I'm under stress, and I need to do something about it."

• Try "stress-inoculation". Rehearse everyday situations thay you find stressful, such as speakibg before a group. Consider how to handle the situations, such as breathing deeply before you talk. This lessens strss in the actual situations.

• Develop alternative plans. The presence of options will make you feel in greater control, thus lessening stress.

• Do something to boost your sense of control. Even small things that will make life easier, such as making a key hook to prevent yourself from having to spend five minutes looking for a key.

Have a great day everyone. Thank you for reading