Exercise
is a key method of working off stress and tension. But there are many other
useful approaches to managing these problems.
1.
“Blow off steam”
When angry or upset, or when feeling any
kind of stress or tension, it’s wise to engage in some kind of physical
activities. Virtually any kind of physical activity provides an outlet for the
“fight” impulse – as contrasted with a “flight” urge – thus
relieving mental or emotional stress.
2.
“Talk it out”: Is there someone in your life whom you trust and
respect? That person may be the one to sit down and “talk it out”.
3.
Accept what you cannot change:
Many problems lie beyond our powers of control. These the individual has to
accept – at least until they can be changed.
4.
Avoid self medications: The person who treats himself with medications in
hope of relieving the stress may have a fool for a patient. Many agents and
chemicals, including alcohol may seem to alleviate stress, but they do not help
you to adjust to the stress itself. Also, many substances are habit forming and
should not be taken without doctor’s prescription or approval.
5.
Get enough sleep and rest: Lack of sleep and rest can reduce your
ability to deal with stress that invades every life at one time or another. Most
people needs seven to eight hours of sleep in every 24-hour day. If stress
interferes with sleep, a physician should be consulted.
6.
Balance work and recreations. “All work and no play can make you the
richest man in the graveyard”. On the way there, you may become a nervous
wreck. Because the mind needs recreation just as the body does, you should
include sometime off in your schedule.
7.
Help someone: Doing things for others provides a genuine stress
reducer. In many cases stress involves over concentration on oneself and one’s
problem. Doing something for someone else helps you to get your mind off your
problems as it gets your mind off yourself – and you may win a new friend.
8.
Take one thing at a time: Tackling a dozen tasks at once usually means
that none of them will get done right. If you can, line them up either in
writing or in your mind and take one at a time.
9.
Give in now and then: A common source of the stress experienced by many
people is other people. One possible solution is to give in now and then; try to
relax and enjoy your own defeat or change of mind. Stress may fly out the
window.
10.
Make your self available: Does stress hit you when you are feeling
bored, left out of life, mired in the slow track? The answer may be to go where
the action is. Make your self-available to those who may be able to involve you
in an interesting way – in life, in activities, in cultural programs, in
whatever you find exciting or important. To withdraw with your stress and feel
sorry for yourself is the worst response.
Stress and tensions are
normal part of life. But many persons can combat and even eliminate them through
regular exercise.