Effective Ways to Maintain Minimum Stress

Keep a Cool Head and Count to Three. Are you generally a person who focuses on the past and is easily frustrated? Do you often make rash decisions because of the fluctuation of your emotions? You are probably stressed because you are quick to overreact and explode. Fiery spirits who tend to have limited patience for anything irritating, illogical, or without a purpose can manage stress by working on their patience, temper, and tolerance levels.

• Take a pause and assess the situation. Ask yourself, "is the situation worth getting angry or stressed about?"
• Consider "flight" rather than "fight." Learn that it is acceptable to simply walk away. Fighting is not the answer to every situation, especially if you have already decided it is not worth the anger or stress.
• Vent and move on. If something is bothering you, vent to someone you trust, but do not linger on the past. Be mindful of keeping your emotions bottled up; this can lead to muscle tension.

Accept Life's Imperfections. It is very honorable to want to perform to the best of your abilities. Wanting everyone to do what they are good at consequently promotes efficiency and productivity. However, this type of mindset can also cause you to take on more responsibilities than you can handle. People who strive for perfection can manage stress by focusing on the bigger picture and obsessing over small details a little less.

• Acknowledge that you are stressed. Realize that you cannot fix or do everything. Saying no occasionally assures that you will not become overwhelmed with obligations.
• Limit your multitasking; prioritize tasks by "High, Medium, or Low" priority and try to do one task at a time.
• Accept that there is more than one "right" way of doing things; try to be more open to different approaches and perspectives.

Take Care of Yourself. Worrying too much and feeling like you are wasting your efforts can be detrimental mentally and physically. Sometimes staying positive is easier said than done, especially if you do not feel like you are improving or accomplishing anything. If you find yourself consumed by getting the job done, you can manage stress by focusing on the things that you can control and staying active.

• Do not forget to make time to relax and to sleep; also, eating a healthy diet can reduce stress in most cases.
• Practice a reward system; get as many tasks as you can get done within a set time frame and then reward yourself with something that like, such as an episode of your favorite show.
• Acknowledge every accomplishment, no matter how small. Find a positive affirmation to stay motivated when accomplishments seem scarce. Mottos or mantras are phrases that you tell yourself to cope with whatever situation you are dealing with. These phrases can be as simple as, "don't worry, be happy" or as intentional as, "each step is taking me to where I want to be."

It is never too late to know what causes you stress or what works best for you. Maintain a minimum amount of stress by following these easy stress management tips!

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