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The A through S of Stress Relief
Much
as we might like to believe it, no one lives a stress-free
life. It's just that some guys are better
at handling it than others. What are their secrets? I don't know
them all, but I can take you as far as the letter S:
- Adopt
a positive attitude toward the past. Mistakes happen, and
your attitude is the only thing about the past you can change.
- Break
from the routine. There's a reason why they call it "the
grind."
- Control
the phone. The phone can be a empowering tool or a nuisance
that interrupts every thought. Consider using an
answering
machine when you
don't want to talk.
- Decaffeinate.
Each cup of coffee cranks you up to fully experience stress.
- Exercise.
It's documented to relieve stress and help prevent depression.
- Find
new friends...and keep the old. When you're not the center
of your life, stress won't be either.
- Get
a checkup. The stress you feel about seeing the doctor can
be only be relieved by
doing it.
- Have
a schedule. Plan your work, your play, and your relaxation,
so you'll be sure to find time for
all three.
- Improve
your communication skills. Learn to say what you think and
to really listen when others
speak.
Communication relieves
stress.
- Just
say no—when it's appropriate
If you're the kind who always says yes, learn
when it's time to decline.
- Keep
a smile on your face. Research has shown that a smile—even
if it's pasted on—starts you on the
way to being happy.
- Learn
new skills. The antidote to worry about losing your job is
to make yourself
all the
more valuable.
- Manage
your weight. Stress can lead to overeating, and being overweight
is stressful.
Don't
eat for relief.
- Negotiate
your work environment. Stress can come from noise, an uncomfortable
chair, or poor lighting.
Ask
for improvements.
- Operate
openly. If you get angry, say so—before you can't express
it rationally.
- Pet
your pet. Sometimes we need a nonjudgemental friend.
- Quit
the booze. The stress relief is only temporary, and temper
control
suffers.
- Relax.
Meditation techniques are proven stress-relievers.
- Seek
spirituality. Whatever your preference, a spiritual
community
provides understanding,
forgiveness,
and
hope.
I'm
confident that you can fill out the rest of the
alphabet. And by
the time
you get
there, I
bet you'll
wonder where
the stress went.
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