Stress Management

Stress is a part of everyone's life. Stress does not have to be only harmful. Some forms of stress may act as motivators or energizers, although too much stress in any form can result in medical, social, or professional problems.

Everyone interprets and reacts to events differently. Stress produces different signs and symptoms which can be placed into the following categories:

• Feelings
• Thoughts
• Behaviors
• Physical symptoms

Stressful events can be either positive or negative. Major life changes often create stress as well as require more resources for coping. Environmental events may also produce periods of stress.

Here are some suggestions for changing, eliminating, or minimizing your level of stress:

• Know how you react to stress
• Use positive self-talk
• Concentrate on your accomplishments
• Concentrate on your good qualities
• Do not compete unnecessarily
• Use assertive (not aggressive) communication and behavior
• Understand what you can and cannot do
• Develop a hobby
• Exercise on a regular basis
• Talk with someone about your problems or concerns-friends and/or trusted co-workers
• Use your time wisely
• Check how you use your time daily, weekly, monthly
• Set goals daily, weekly, monthly
• Make sure the goals are realistic and measurable and that they have definite time limitations
• Prioritize the goals and objectives to reach the goals
• Make a schedule and stick to it
• Just do it--avoid procrastinating
• Work in short blocks of time, reward yourself with a break, and work
• Practice relaxation techniques