101 Stress Management Tips - Part 3

41. Try to keep your chin up. Especially when you feel things are at their worst, try to keep your chin up and chest out. During times of crisis, things always appear extremely hopeless. This time will pass. Things will be better tomorrow.

42. Take up gardening. Gardening not only allows you to connect to Mother Nature, but also serves as a great form of physical activity. Research has also shown that being in a garden or even just viewing can relieve stress.

43. Take a walk along the beach. Natural surroundings are known to trigger relaxation responses deep in the brain. The beach in particular with its fresh air and rhythmic rolling in of waves can have a calming effect on you.

44. Talk to friends and family. Sometimes is helps to talk to friends and family when you are feeling stressed. While they are not professional counsellors, talking to them give you a chance to express your feelings and vent.

45. Seek professional help. If stress is just too overwhelming you may want to seek outside help from a counsellor, health professional or life coach. A professional therapist can help you rationalise and provide strategies on coping with stress.

46. Take a course. A course in stress management will teach you how to recognise the symptoms of stress and how to effectively deal with it. If poor time management is your problem a course in this area is also extremely useful.

47. Develop a hobby. Getting immersed in a hobby or interesting activity is a great form of stress relief. It allows you to forget the outside world for a while especially those things that are contributing towards your stress.

48. Read a book. Reading can be a great escape from stress because it forces you to focus on something other than your own troubles. Also research has shown that people who read have a better ability to understand how other people think and feel, and become better equipped in dealing with problems.

49. See a feel good movie. Like reading, a good movie also gives you the opportunity to focus on something other than your own worries. It is important to wisely pick a movie that is positive and makes you feel good, not one that is depressing.

50. Try positive visualization or guided imagery. Think about a time or place when you were relaxed and content. By recreating the situation in your mind, recalling the sights, smells and sounds, your emotions will change which will have a positive effect on you physically.

51. Sex can be a great stress reliever. It not only takes your mind off your worries, for a period of time, it promotes deep breathing, physical activity and provides a great sense of touch.

52. Reduce your reliance on alcohol and tobacco. While such alcohol and tobacco may make you feel good temporarily, they are actually having a detrimental affect on your body which may contribute or add to the stress you are feeling.

53. Live in peace. Don’t look for arguments just for the sake of it or go out of your way to see the bad side of people. You will inevitably cause yourself angst and stress. Rather look at the positive side of people and what they have to offer as human beings.

54. Wear comfortable clothes. Uncomfortable clothes, clothes that might be too tight, make you feel too hot or too cold, or make your feet hurt can make you feel more physically tense and contribute to the stress you feel.

55. Eliminate reliance on drugs for managing and dealing with stress. Drugs can have a negatively chemical impact on your body which ultimately creates further stress. Rather look at various strategies to reduce and manage your stress.

56. To minimize stress and anxiety at work, school or home, divide large overwhelming tasks into smaller achievable tasks. See each small task as progressive steps towards your end goal.

57. Don’t bottle up your feelings. Express your feelings to in a positive manner to those who may be causing you to feel stress. In many cases such people do not know the negative impact they may be having on you.

58. Write a journal that explores the thoughts and feelings that you had during the day. Journaling is known for counteracting the negative impact of stress. It not only helps clarify your thoughts but also assists in releasing emotions that were created.

59. Understand your stress triggers. So what triggers your stress? What do you worry about? Once you know the source of your stress is, you can find ways to either reduce their likelihood and more effective strategies for managing the stress.

60. Do not be a perfectionist all of the time. This only adds to the pressure you place on yourself which can translate into stress. Sometimes it is better to compromise and not do something as well as you would naturally like to.