Even if it affects the psyche, stress has severed repercussions over the body. You should try as much as possible to avoid it, even if that means to change, to give up our most precious dreams.
It’s hard to reduce stress, because we are always living under pressure and it’s difficult to avoid stressful situations when you have responsibilities to cope with. That’s why the best solution is to develop the ability of reacting positively in any circumstance.
Identify the stress sources. Usually it’s quite difficult to realize what are the situations that cause you anxiety. You may do it if you pay attention for a couple of days. Then see if you can change these circumstances or if you can avoid them.
Settle your priorities. Forget about those that stress you a lot. Try to eliminate the tasks that occupies most of your time and that are not necessary and to replace them with more pleasant and interesting activities. Having beautiful moments every day values the same as paying the bills or food shopping. Otherwise, your defense mechanism will suffer.
React differently. You can’t quit your job or your family because the difficulties you have to face are overwhelming. However, here is what you can do:
- Discuss your feelings. If you are angry or frustrated and those around you have know idea, you will loose hope and you will become depressive. Try to communicate with the others and tell them what needs do you have, but not aggressively unless you don’t want their support.
- Think positively at reaching your goals. If you’re in a stressful situation think of the advantages you might get by solving it. Think of the worst possible result because, if it happens, you will be prepared to face it. Do not leave things at random, try to plan what you think is more important.
- Keep your sense of humor. It is very useful in difficult situations. Laughing relaxes you and gives you a new perspective on things.
Moreover, you shouldn’t forget about the physical techniques of relaxation:
- Take a deep breath. When you’re stressed, you’re gasping and sometimes, a big breath of fresh air might help you out. Breathe slowly through the nose and count until 10. Exhale through the nose while you’re counting until 10. In this way you will have 6 breathings/exhaling per minute.
- Relax your muscles. Even when you’re sitting at the office you can relax your shoulders, leave your arms to fall down your body, relax your feet. Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
- Visualize. Remember times and places like a beach or a walk on the mountain. Close your eyes and try to visualize for a minute this image.
- Meditate. The purpose of meditation is to calm you down and to increase your self-awareness. It can reduce your heartbeats, the blood pressure, the adrenalin and the temperature of your skin. You can reach this state only if you’re focusing on an image, a sound and eliminate any kind of possible distractions. Meditation can help you to think positively about yourself and those around you.
Yet, there are many other ways. Try to get yourself involved, make friends among your coworkers, hang out with your friends, and buy yourself a pet. Sometimes it’s useful to be more tender with the others.