How to Avoid or Minimise Stress
Learn to recognise when you are stressed:
Knowing what is likely to cause stress can help avoid such things in the future. Keep a record of what situations make you stressful and see how you might deal with them in other ways in the future.
See our page: What is Stress? for more information about common triggers and symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Learn to relax:
Many people do not include relaxation time in their schedules. Conscious relaxation is important for your body and mind and can help you deal with the negatives of stress.
See our section: Relaxation Techniques to learn more.
Time management:
Effective time management allows the amount of work or other commitments undertaken to be regulated, reduces the uncertainty of not having enough time to complete every task required and allows for the planning of ‘time off’ periods in which to relax.
See our pages: Time Management and Minimising Distractions.
Reduce the demands on yourself:
Do not over-commit yourself and be prepared to say ‘No’ if the load is too great. It is common for people to overestimate how much can be achieved in a particular space of time, so leave free time to cope with the unexpected.
See our section: Assertiveness.
Ensure that you get enough fun out of life:
Plan time in the day to do something that gives you pleasure. Looking forward to such times helps when you have to cope with less pleasant aspects of life.
See our page: Work-Life Balance.
Positive thinking:
Do not dwell on failures and reward yourself for your successes. Accept that everyone has limits and cannot succeed at everything. Reflect on what you have achieved.
See our pages: Improving Self-Esteem and Building Confidence.
Practise assertiveness:
Asserting yourself in a positive, non-threatening way can help to combat stress. Accept the demands placed on you only as a matter of choice.
See our Assertiveness pages for more information.
Look after your physical well-being:
People are better able to cope with stress when their bodies are healthy. Poor health in itself is a major source of stress. Incorporating periods of physical exercise into your routine will help to improve muscle control, make you feel healthier and increase self-esteem. Try to improve your diet and avoid stimulants as much as possible. Excess caffeine or nicotine can make individuals feel anxious or on-edge. Also, ensure you get enough sleep.
See our pages: The Importance of Exercise, Stress, Nutrition and Diet and The Importance of Sleep.
Seek support from others:
Do not try to cope with problems alone. Having someone to share your problems can greatly help to ‘off load’ the stress. You might find it useful to talk to a friend or work colleague, or talk to your line manager or employer if you are experiencing stress in the work place.
