Looking for stress reduction and management ideas? Anecdotal evidence suggests that many of these techniques do work to reduce stress.

The key to success is finding a technique that works best for you, so you may want to try several different methods.

Exercise

• Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress

Relaxation

• Listen to your favourite soothing music, read a novel or take a long bath
• Practise meditation, quiet reflection time, yoga, aromatherapy or massage

Stress Diary

• Become aware of stress-inducing occurrences by writing down events that were stressful to you. This can help you to adopt effective coping strategies to manage the causes of stress in your life

Organisation and Prioritisation: Be Realistic!

• Prioritise what you need to accomplish during the day and tick off each item as you finish them. Time management is a key step to keeping tabs on stress levels

Delegate!

• Learn to delegate tasks and responsibilities at home and at work, and learn to say ‘No’

Stop Smoking, Limit Alcohol Consumption

• Smoking might affect the ability of the coronary arteries to respond to stress. A study found that smokers, on average, had about 14 per cent less blood flow to the heart compared to non-smokers
• Alcohol disturbs regular sleep patterns and disguises the cause of stress without eliminating them

Sleep

• It is hard to work efficiently when you are tired, and that can be stressful

Talk About It

• Friends can provide with support and guidance to help reduce stress and enhance well-being

Diet

• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet

Laugh!

• Laughter may boost the immune system and lower stress levels

Adopt a ‘Stress-Friendly’ Coping Style

• You may need to learn to have a problem-solving attitude when it comes to stress. Tell yourself, ‘I can handle this’

Seek Help

• Some stressors (ie domestic violence, unsafe work or home environment) do not have easy solutions. If the above measures are not helping, if the severity of the stressor is extreme, or if you are affected by severe anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor

Copyright 2000 by Women First Healthcare, Inc.