Stress Management Techniques
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EIGHT QUICK STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

Most of our lives are filled with family, work, and community obligations, and at some point we feel as though we are "running on empty." Here are eight immediate stress busters to help "fill up the tank!" So take deep relaxing breath and read on.

1. Watch for the next instance in which you find yourself becoming annoyed or angry at something trivial or unimportant. Then practice letting go, making a conscious choice not to become angry or upset. Do not allow yourself to waste thought and energy where it isn't deserved. Effective anger management is one of the most tried-and-true stress management techniques.

2. Breathe slowly and deeply. Before reacting to the next stressful occurrence, take three deep breaths and release them slowly. If you have a few minutes, try out a relaxation technique such as meditation or guided imagery.

3. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by stress, practice speaking more slowly than usual. You'll find that you think more clearly and react more reasonably to stressful situations. Stressed people tend to speak fast and breathlessly; by slowing down your speech you'll also appear less anxious and more in control of any situation.

4. Jump-start an effective time management strategy. Choose one simple thing you have been putting off (e.g., returning a phone call, making a doctor's appointment), and do it immediately. Just taking care of one nagging responsibility can be energizing and can improve your attitude.

5. Get outdoors for a brief break. Our grandparents were right about the healing power of fresh air. Don't be deterred by foul weather or a full schedule. Even five minutes on a balcony or terrace can be rejuvenating.

6. Drink plenty of water and eat small, nutritious snacks. Hunger and dehydration, even before you're aware of them, can provoke aggressiveness and exacerbate feelings of anxiety and stress.

7. Do a quick posture check. Hold your head and shoulders upright and avoid stooping or slumping. Bad posture can lead to muscle tension, pain, and increased stress. If you're stuck at a desk most of the day, avoid repetitive strain injuries and sore muscles by making sure your workstation reflects good ergonomic design principles. Take our Workstation Quiz to find out how to make your workstation more ergonomically safe.

8. Plan something rewarding for the end of your stressful day, even if only a relaxing bath or half an hour with a good book. Put aside work, housekeeping or family concerns for a brief period before bedtime and allow yourself to fully relax. Don't spend this time planning tomorrow's schedule or doing chores you didn't get around to during the day. Remember that you need time to recharge and energize yourself.

These tips are courtesy of: Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
Jay W. Marks, MD, UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

BUILDING YOUR STRESS MANAGEMENT REPETOIRE

Build a reliable repetoire of stress management techniques and you'll be much better prepared to face another stressful day.

Have one of each of the three components of lasting stress management in your repetoire.

COLLECT ONLINE VIDEOS THAT PROMOTE INNER PEACE Start a folder on your computer of uplifting and inner peace inspiring videos that you can access anytime you need a stress intervention. Here is an excellent one to get your started. It is a documentary about the power of positive thinking and the Peace Pilgrim, a modern American sage.

STRESS COACHING And seek out professional coaching that addresses your particular needs:

Kalavati.org provides online and face to face executive coaching and workshops to assist business owners and directors with personal development, leadership training and team growth.

Enjoy a Free Trial of One of Our Favorite Stress Management Techniques -