1. Get Organized
Setting clear timelines and priorities will help eliminate unexpected complications from daily events and create a sense of empowerment and control.
2. Work it Off
A regular exercise program provides both physical and mental benefits. Physically, exercise helps release stress relieving hormones. Mentally, the time can serve as an important refuge in the hustle and bustle of daily life.
3. Develop Strategies
Stress in never completely avoidable. To help deal with life’s stressful situations, take some time to develop strategies to deal with unexpected moments. Whether it’s having a backup ride for the kids or a Plan B for dinner, simple strategies will go a long way to simplifying and deconstructing stressful situations.
4. Take 5
Everyone needs some quiet time during a busy day. The “Take 5” rule works in both an organized and an unorganized way. Building in small segments of quiet time will allow time to catch your breath and review daily goals. Being able to detach from an unexpected situation, even for a few minutes, will provide valuable respite and a fresh point of view.
5. Set Realistic Goals
Nobody likes to fail. Yet, one of the fundamental failings of modern goal setters is a tendency to set overreaching, potentially unattainable goals. Keep daily goals well focused, task oriented, and realistic.
6. Take a Nap
The idea of the afternoon nap is actually built into the fundmental functioning of many European cultures. Yet, in the hard working environment of American corporate and family culture, this valuable tool is often overlooked. Studies have shown that even short 15 or 20 minute nap breaks markedly improve mood, outlook, and stress-handling ability1.
7. Stay Involved
Boredom creates stress. Keep your days interesting and varied with a little preplanning. Hobbies, friends, and activities can all play a role.
8. Eat Well
Poor nutrition both alters biochemical profiles, leading to feelings of exhaustion and stress, and also heightens poor body image, reinforcing these negative emotions. A balanced diet can help avoid these negative impacts.
9. Play
Personal recreation is a vital part of stress management. Spend some time each day engaged in activities you find enjoyable and fulfilling. Whether it’s spending 20 minutes walking, curling up with a book or magazine, or just people watching at a café, personal time will leave you refreshed and feeling positive.
10. Connect
Social connections are fundamental to the human experience. Seek out connections with like minded individuals or groups to improve your sense of social connection.
1 Dhand, R., Sohal, H., Good Sleep, Bad Sleep: The Role of Daytime Naps in Healthy Adults. Current Opinions in Pulmonary Medicine, 12(6): 379-82, 2006.
