HANDLING STRESS (Part Two)

WHAT TO DO ABOUT STRESSnTHE 30 POINT PLAN

1. Be positive- see problems as opportunities. Have goals and visions. Have a positive mental attitude.

2. Play sports and step up your exercise.

3. Talk things over with someone.

4. Determine what causes you stress and try to eliminate it.

5. Become physically fit.

6. Balance work, home/family and recreation.

7. Enjoy your play and relaxation- it is precious time! Learn to delegate- don't try to do everything yourself.

8. Get adequate sleep and rest

9. Allow yourself some relaxation and meditation time every day.

10. Learn relaxation techniques: systematic ways to relax.

11. Give yourself time to think.

12. Know your limits and your symptoms of stress...and how to relieve them. Learn to say 'no' to others' excessive demands on you. Don't say "yes" when you mea
"no".

13. "Coast" if necessary.

14. Worry only about that which can be changed by you. I like the quotation which goes something like this: "Accept that which cannot be changed by you and let God give me the wisdom to know the difference." I often do not follow this rule.

15. Use your imagination to reduce your stress levels. Be creative.

16. Learn to switch off thinking about work when you get home.

17. Think about your diet and eat nutritious food.

18. Learn to plan your time better.

19. Learn to recognise and to accept your limitations as well as the limitations (and faults) of others.

20. Learn to have FUN: you must be able to enjoy your work.

21. Learn to praise others and be positive,

22. Learn to tolerate and to forgive.

23. Learn to avoid unnecessary competition: you don't have to be the best at everything.

24. Learn to confide in others.

25. Learn to accept what can't be changed in others, eg.. personality or decisions.

26. Learn to accept that some things aren't as important to others as they are to you.

27. Learn to delegate.

28. Learn to recognise stress. Do not become so accustomed to feeling stress that it becomes a normal part of your life.

29. Have trust in other people.nnand finally, no matter how stressful or hopeless your situation may appear to be...

NB:
30. Have FAITH IN YOURSELF AND ESPECIALLY IN GOD that things will eventually work out for you. Just know that HE has a plan for your life and it is to do good deeds.

IF UNDER MENTAL STRESS DO PHYSICAL EXERCISES

IF UNDER PHYSICAL STRESS DO MENTAL EXERCISES

SUMMARY:

We live in a culture which says that our happiness is dependent on acquiring material things, like stereos, cars, houses, etc. We are conditioned to think that if we are to be successful, there must be "another way" of doing things. There is stress caused by the competition to get into the "other world of wealth" - the one that the Jones's or neighbours seem to live in.

Not all stress is bad. Stress can be harnessed as a positive force, eg.. through the adrenalin produced by athletes, dancers and actors before a performance. If you have a positive mental attitude and high self esteem, you can make stress work for you.
***

It is best to use a combination of strategies when stress is a result of daily wear and tear on the body and mind.

1. EXERCISE: Take time out to RELAX and visualise. Don't take things too seriously. Some people thrive on stress. They have a natural hardiness but they still can't control their environment - you only have control over yourself, your behaviour and your emotional responses.

2. Feel CREATIVE in solving your stress problem. A quiet body is more prone to recovery and health than an angry one.

3. Keep BUSY: Doing something is the best antidote to dealing with the problem instead of worrying about it.

Committing yourself to making these kind of changes in your life requires effort and courage. So reward yourself for each small step attained in reducing your stress level. Remember, "Rome wasn't built in a day" nandnna "journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step."

Stress won't go away and everyone is under some sort of stress. You just have to live with it and cope. Have a sense of humour. Find out what makes you happy, then BE HAPPY. n