Library of Frequently Asked Questions
Stress reduction
Regardless of physical health, everyone will probably have occasional difficulty dealing with stress in their life. There are, however, certain steps you can take to reduce the impact of stressful situations.
First, concentrate on the present. Think about the future in terms of changes you can make.
Second, consider your problems one at a time. Sometimes lumping them together can make them seem overwhelming, but if you look at each of your problems individually, it may be easier to see that each one is not as serious as you thought it was.
Third, do not complain about your problems. Seek positive feedback from family and friends and listen to their opinions.
Fourth, occupy yourself and your mind as much as possible. Social activities or outings with friends are often better than being alone during a time of stress.
Fifth, make a point of devoting some time every day to physical relaxation that takes your mind off your problems. Deep breathing exercises, for example, can help to reduce tension.
Finally, to avoid taking your problems to bed with you, try not to think about them late at night. You will probably sleep better if you can relax for a few hours before going to bed.
If you need further help coping with stress, talk to your physician, contact a local health department, or go to a community mental health agency. Sometimes you may benefit from joining a support group for people with similar problems. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s the intelligent thing to do to protect your health.
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