Main Article Page
Stress Management Blog
Stress Management
Stress Article Site Map
RSS Feed
Sponsored Ads
|
 |
The ABC's of Stress Management
www.iwanttoquitsmoking.com The Stop Smoking Hypnosis people.
A while back, I was in a minor fender-bender accident, and as the police officer filled out the report, I gave him my business card with my name and phone number. When he saw "stress management" listed he said, "We've got to talk!" That's most people's reaction when they find out what I do.
Many people say they feel stressed, and most people would probably agree that being a police officer is stressful, but it's amazing how much stress we all have in our everyday lives. It can be a result of driving in rush hour, learning new software, or grocery shopping after a long hard day at work. Of course there's stress in more serious situations too, such as illness or losing a job, but it can also result from positive events such as marriage, a promotion, or even winning money.
Stress is anything that makes you change, adjust or adapt. And it's cumulative. For example, if you have a tense or difficult discussion with a spouse or co-worker, and later spill coffee on your computer, the stress of spilling the coffee doesn't replace the stress of the discussion. It just adds another layer to your stress level that day. Physical and mental damage can result from too much stress, so it's important to learn and to use good coping skills to relax and relieve the pressure. Here are just a few:
A. Allow time every day for relaxation.
Your success at managing stress depends on you not only learning, but practicing relaxation techniques. Regular practice is what makes it effective, so set aside time for regular, daily deep relaxation, even if it's only five or ten minutes. And simply relaxing in front of the television or taking a warm bath doesn't count! You can achieve a deeply relaxed state by learning one of the many effective techniques such as breathing, guided imagery, meditation, etc. Choose one that feels right for you.
Deep relaxation
produces desirable physiological and biochemical responses that are exactly the opposite of those seen during stress. According to stress expert Dr. Edmund Jacobson: "An anxious mind cannot exist in a relaxed body".
Regular deep relaxation has many healthy benefits. It can decrease anxiety, increase concentration, help you sleep better and generally make you feel better. When you consistently practice some form of deep relaxation, it has a cumulative effect. You become more aware of the difference between feeling stressed and feeling relaxed, so when tension builds, you're more likely to notice it sooner and do something about it.
B. Breathe.
Breathing techniques are a foundation of stress reduction training. When we're stressed we tend to take shorter, shallow breaths. We may even hold our breath. This decreases the flow of oxygen to the body, making it harder to cope with stress. When you breathe properly, i.e., when you breath into your abdomen, not just your chest, you take in more oxygen, promote calmness, and can reduce tension and stress quickly. The next time you feel tension building, stop what you're doing and take a few long, slow, deep abdominal breaths. Focus only on your breathing, and let a sense of calm wash over you.
You can also practice abdominal breathing on a regular basis, which works on keeping your stress level low. When clients tell me they don't have time to practice, I write them a "prescription" that states: "Take 3 deep breaths every hour". At some time during our day, we all find ourselves waiting in a line, at a red light, "on hold", or waiting for our computer to do something. These are perfect occasions to practice deep breathing. The more you shift your breathing to your abdomen the more relaxed you will feel on an ongoing basis.
C. Change your thoughts.
It's our perception of an event that's stressful, not the event itself, and what we think affects our body. There's a cause and effect relationship between what we think and how our body reacts. If your thoughts are tense or anxious your body responds with a stress response, a series of unhealthy changes; increased muscle tension, increased blood pressure, and increased heart rate, to name a few.
For example, if you're stressed about giving an upcoming talk, you may be thinking, "What if I look foolish; I'm afraid; I hate this…" or other scary thoughts that trigger the stress response. To counteract those thoughts and the negative reaction they set off, change your thoughts. Refute and challenge those thoughts by telling yourself: "I'm fine; I'm prepared; people want me to succeed…" or other positive, self-supportive, confidence-building statements. You will feel better and your body will respond positively
When you're feeling stressed and frazzled you can also simply close your eyes and take a mental vacation. Imagine a tranquil, relaxing scene. It could be a favorite vacation spot, somewhere that reminds you of serenity, or any place real or imagined that's peaceful and relaxing
to you. This works especially well if you have previously learned to "visit" this place while deeply relaxed. The more familiar you are in your mind with your special relaxing place, the easier it is to relax quickly.
By learning and practicing a few easy skills, you can reduce stress and make positive changes in your life.
Tedde Abbott is a certified hypnotherapist in private practice in Avon. She helps private and corporate clients with stress, weight, smoking, and personal issues. She can be contacted through Healthy Life Centers at (888) 865-1870 and www.iwanttoquitsmoking.com
Posted by www.iwanttoquitsmoking.com
About the Author
Tedde Abbott can be contacted through Healthy Life Centers at (888) 865-1870 and www.iwanttoquitsmoking.com
Article by: Tedde Abbott can be contacted through Healthy Life Centers at (888) 865-1870 and www.iwanttoquitsmoking.com |
|
Stress Management: Music, Music, Music
When I write and speak about stress management, I prefer to call it stress mastery. I prefer to call this stress mastery because why merely manage something when you can take the next step and master it? Music has charms..... It's been said...read more
The ABCs of Stress Management
A while back, I was in a minor fender-bender accident, and as the police officer filled out the report, I gave him my business card with my name and phone number. When he saw "stress management" listed he said, "We've got to talk!" That's most...read more
Stress Management In The Workplace: Handling Work Stress
Stress management in the workplace is a reality that most of us have to face for one reason or another and coping with it is key to long-term career success. Some careers are more stressful than others and some companies and managers you work for...read more
Methods of Stress Management - Target Your Triggers!
To gain the most benefit from stress management techniques,
it’s important that we identify the specific pressures we are
having difficulty with and tailor the techniques to our needs. Simply employing deep breathing techniques or visuals...read more
Physical Exercise for Stress Management: An Important Ingrediant in a Wellness Program
There are many ways to practice wellness and stress management. A combination of proper diet, exercise, and regular relaxation are the ideal components. Surprisingly, the time invested in wellness will actually save you time, and energy, in the...read more
STRESS MANAGEMENT
The fast pace of life is taking toll on very city dweller, right from students to home makers and workers to managers, every body is hit by the bug of the stress. Modern technological development and communication aids are adding to the stress...read more
Stress Management: New Age Solutions
With the hectic pace of life today, most people experience stress on a daily basis. The debilitating effects of stress are such that corporations provide employees with free stress management programs, an increasing number of people are seeking ...read more
The Truth about Stress and Hypnotherapy for Stress Management
How often do you find yourself wondering what is the best possible way to reduce the stress in your life? You are just an average person with a normal life, decent work hours, and a family to care for; yet you can’t help but court stress in every...read more
Your Stress Management Plan of Action
You can have control over the stressful events in your life by developing a plan of action. How you manage your life involves choice - you choose to change what you can and develop coping skills for what you choose to tolerate. This plan will...read more
The Top 5 Stress Management Tips That Really Work
In short, stress management tips are something that just about every one of us has to deal with. We need this because of the huge amount of responsibility, worry, and need that we have placed on our shoulders. Today, most than 2/3 of all...read more
|
