HOW TO REDUCE STRESS
Over the course of our lives we all deal with more or less long periods of stress,
both because of work matters and financial or relationship problems, to give a few examples.
Although in small doses stress can sometimes prove to stimulate us in reaching important goals,
too much stress can influence how we feel, how we think and how we behave.
Too much stress can also have an enormous impact on the functioning of our body and generates
anxiety, worry, sleep disturbances, sweating, loss of appetite and difficulty concentrating.
Before stress has serious consequences on your psychophysical wellbeing, it is good to dedicate
a few minutes to learning different techniques and strategies for managing it. Now let’s see 5 points
we can follow to reduce our stress. 1. Identify the causes of stress
First, it’s important to understand what the main cause or causes of your stress are. On
a sheet of paper, list the factors that you think are causing this stress, and update it regularly.
If it can help you, consult the Holmes-Rahe scale (you can find the link on the screen). It contains
43 stressful life events that can influence your psychophysical wellbeing, and to each of these
is assigned a value that measures its impact in terms of the stress it causes people on average.
Obviously, everyone both experiences stress and deals with life events differently,
so the data it shows isn’t equally valid for everyone, but is indicatively accurate.
Once you have prepared the list, highlight the factors that cause you the most stress,
and for each of these prepare an action plan. Only concentrate on the factors you have control over,
and if, for example, you’re stressed because your favourite football team is about to be relegated
or because a politician you despise was elected, you can’t do anything about it
and you’re pointlessly wasting your time. 2. Organise your life
As much as some of you may find it boring to painstakingly plan your life, it is essential
for saving the most important resource we have, namely time. It reduces unexpected events,
and consequently reduces our stress levels. Of course, unforeseen events can always happen
but, as we said before, you shouldn’t throw your energy into things you have no control over.
However, when you can, try to have a plan ready to effectively tackle these surprises if they arise.
Use a calendar to best organise your commitments, and at the same time make sure to carve out time
for yourself. Avoid taking on too many commitments in a short period of time, since any which are
delayed could end up causing a chain reaction with the ones that follow, which would quickly increase
your stress levels for the whole day. 3. Heal your mind and body
Have at least 3 balanced meals a day by following a healthy, complete diet.
Eliminate or at least reduce your alcohol use, and find the time to do sports at least a couple
of times a week. If you don’t have time, try to identify which other commitments you can cut in
order to allocate time to physical activity. Your health should always be a priority. If
you have the opportunity, allow yourself to get a relaxing massage or visit a spa from time to time.
Finally, maybe the most important point of all: don’t deprive yourself of hours of sleep.
Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a night without exception and, commitments permitting,
try to go to sleep at the same every day in order to establish a routine.
When you go to sleep, read a book or listen to relaxing music
but avoid playing on your phone, otherwise it can be difficult to relax and fall asleep.
During periods of stress it is particularly important to think positively. It has been
demonstrated that optimists and pessimists often deal with the same problems and obstacles
differently. While pessimists spend their time pitying themselves and complaining, optimists
stay focused on proactively solving their problems and never lose sight of the right perspective.
So, tell us, how do you usually deal with stressful situations?
Do you have a particular strategy you follow or just let things happen and
deal with it as you move along? If you wish, let us know in the comment section.
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