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Stress management: Prevent stress setbacks

By Mayo Clinic staff
Original Article:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-management/SR00038
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Stress management: Prevent stress setbacks

Stress has a way of creeping back into your life and making you miserable. These simple stress management strategies can help you keep stress at bay.

By Mayo Clinic staff

You're getting a handle on stress management. Perhaps you've mastered new time management techniques. Or you've learned to control your anger under pressure. Congratulations! To keep stress under control for good, though, you need to make a commitment to using the stress management techniques you've learned.

Practicing stress management

Stress management isn't a first-aid kit you pull out only in emergencies. Rather, it's a set of tools you can use every day to deal with the big and little issues that arise. It's a good idea to keep your tools sharp and even to add a few to your collection from time to time.

Strategies for preventing setbacks

Stress is more likely to rear its ugly head if you're not taking care of yourself. So remember to put yourself first. These seven strategies can help you stay on course:

  1. Make time for yourself. Just 10 to 20 minutes of quiet reflection may bring relief from chronic stress as well as increase your tolerance to it. Use the time to listen to music, relax, and try to think of pleasant things or nothing at all. If you feel your muscles begin to tense as you go through your day, take a minibreak: Breathe deeply, inhale to the count of six, pause for a second and then slowly exhale.
  2. Exercise regularly. Exercise can help keep depression and anxiety at bay. Just 30 minutes a day benefits the body and mind.
  3. Eat smart. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can give you more energy to keep stress under control. Don't be fooled by the jolt you may get from caffeine — it'll wear off quickly.
  4. Resist overcommitting. Rather than looking for ways to squeeze more activities into the day, find ways to pare them down. Remember it's OK to say no to new requests, so you can devote time to activities you're already committed to.
  5. Be prepared. Anticipate challenges. Whether it's preparing for a project at work, planning a family gathering or handling a sick child, being prepared can help you face stressful situations with confidence. If necessary, set aside extra time to calm your frayed nerves.
  6. Banish negative thoughts. If you find yourself thinking, "This can't be done," snap back to attention. Think instead, "This will be tough. But we can make it work." Putting a positive spin on negative thoughts can help you work through stressful situations.
  7. Keep laughing. Humor is a great way to relieve stress. Laughter releases endorphins — natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude. Studies suggest laughter may lower blood pressure, boost the immune system and increase circulation as well.

When you need extra help

If new stressors are challenging your ability to cope or if once-helpful techniques seem to have lost their effectiveness, you may need to look for reinforcements. Plenty of books, websites and support groups are dedicated to helping people get through tough times. You may also find it helps to talk to a counselor or mental health professional. Sometimes an outside perspective makes all the difference.

Remember, stress is a part of life — it's never going to completely disappear. But you have the tools to keep stress from taking over your life. Put them to good use.

References
  1. Seaward BL. Managing Stress: Principles and Strategies for Health and Well-Being. Sudbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett; 2009:528.
  2. Charlesworth EA, et al. Stress Management: A Comprehensive Guide to Wellness. New York, N.Y.: Ballantine Books; 2004:366.
  3. Stress: Coping with everyday problems. National Mental Health Association.  http://www.nmha.org/go/information/get-info/stress/stress-coping-with-everyday-problems. Accessed May 21, 2010.
SR00038 July 23, 2010

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