Do you find yourself wishing more hours existed in the day? Are you over-worked, over-tired, cranky, and jealous of other people’s free time? Do you have trouble breathing and become anxious when you think about all the things that need to be completed in the next two days?
If this describes you, you are not alone. Many people feel the effects of stress in their lives today and often wonder how they can alleviate the chaos of a stressful life. Complaining about the stress can feel great and help calm your nerves, but after a while, those hearing about your stress may grow tired of your stories.
Learning how to manage your stress will be the most productive way of alleviating the stress and slowly eliminating large amounts of stress from your life. The list below describes helpful ways to begin managing your stress.
1. Stop, take deep breaths (I suggest a minimum of 10), and relax. This should take about 2 minutes and can be done anywhere. I suggest breathing deep while driving, sitting in a meeting, eating lunch, or watching your children play at the playground. Wherever you are, there is time to breathe.
2. Make a list of all the activities you hope to accomplish. Managing the details in your mind can add to the stress. Writing down the things you need to accomplish will alleviate your mind from remembering your many tasks and allow space for relaxation.
3. Look closely at your list and select the activities that need to be accomplished in the next two days. Ask yourself what needs to be done immediately and what can wait until the end of the week or the beginning of next week. Prioritizing will help organize your thoughts and time and will allow you to concentrate on the task at hand.
4. Delegate activities to other members of your family. Remember that you are not the only once capable of completing your list. If household chores are on your list, find appropriate chores for your children to do. If you need to go to the grocery and you have children of appropriate age, split up the shopping list and allow them to find some items that are needed. If you do not have children, invite a friend to go shopping with you or blast your favorite music while cleaning the house. These suggestions are only the beginning. Be creative when delegating and remember that chores and errands do not have to be stressful.
If you are feeling incredibly stressed most of the week, try some of the suggestions above. I realize that some stress in life is normal and I do not expect the above suggestions to completely eliminate all stress. However, I do think the suggestions are a wonderful starting point to help alleviate stress in your everyday life. Start small and see what happens.
Experiencing continuous high levels of stress can lead to other physical and mental health issues. Anxiety or panic attacks are often a result of chronic stress. Your thinking may become less clear and your daily functioning may experience changes. If you have noticed changes in your behavior and are experiencing high levels of daily stress, I encourage you to speak with an Indianapolis counselor. The Lotus Group has many counselors who understand chronic stress and are ready to help you begin managing your stress in an effective manner. Call 595-5555 to schedule an appointment.
Kristie L. Watts Lotus Group Fishers, IN 595-5555 www.lotusgroup.biz
