Sometimes you may feel like everything is just too much. There is so much to do that you don’t seem to complete anything properly. Stress arises due to your perception of whether or not you can meet the demands being made on you. Stress is your body’s reaction to situations that overload, frighten, irritate or endanger you. The following will help you cope more effectively with stress.
Balanced, healthy diet
Proper eating with lots of fruit and veggies and no junk food, contributes to feelings of well- being. Overweight or underweight children do not always handle stress well.
Exercise
Physical exercise on a daily basis (of any kind) is a good for getting rid of tension that your body accumulates.
Time management
A schedule will allow you to manage your time and prevent last minute panic and extra stress! Use it to break down your mountain of work into small, manageable blocks that can be dealt with one by one. Keep the schedule where you can see it – there are amazing apps these days, but for many of us a visual list which serves as a reminder, and where you can physically tick off completed tasks is still the best source of confidence. Daily action lists can be used along side weekly, monthly and annual schedules. Set realistic goals. This encourages you to become well organised and self-disciplined. Reward yourself at the end of each week for a goal reached.
Recreation
A good balance between work and play is essential. Laughter and playtime produces “happy” hormones, which when released into the bloodstream give off feelings of wellbeing.
Relaxation
One cannot be tense and relaxed at the same time. Tense all your muscles at once and then relax them. Do this a few times until you really feel the difference between being tense and being relaxed. Taking time to relax will give you more energy to tackle your tasks.
Close your eyes and imagine a tranquil scene that relaxes you. Strengthen this visualisation by imagining scents, sounds and tastes. Breathe in slowly through their nose and out slowly through their mouth while you are imagining the calm picture in your mind. Do it for a few minutes. If you know how to meditate to calm your mind of busy thoughts then do that. Pranayama also helps as it raises the oxygen level in the body effectively reducing anxiety and fatigue.
Think positive thoughts
Substitute negative, illogical, anxiety-producing thoughts with positive, logical, anxiety-reducing ones. Assuming negative results before they’ve happened will lead to unnecessary anxiety. Remember that all things come together for good. Believe that you are supported by this magnificent life and trust all will be well. Tell yourself “I am protected and loved”.