Reducing stress
A quick exercise
- Sit down
- Take slow deep breaths
- Tense muscles for several seconds then relax them
- Start with the feet then legs, and work your way up
Care for yourself
It is important to take care of yourself during
periods of high stress. Make time to look
after yourself:
- Eat a balanced diet, eat regularly
- Try to get at least six hours of sleep a night
- Take exercise (of a kind you enjoy - walking, swimming)
- Avoid foods high in sugar and caffeine
- Avoid "pick me ups" and "downers" including nicotine and alcohol
Relax
Relaxation is almost the opposite of stress and
it is a good goal if stress is becoming a problem.
All those healthy advice tips will reduce stress,
even if you do not believe them. A healthy diet,
regular exercise and a good night's sleep without
the use of drugs or alcohol will be good for you.
Other Sources of help
Acupuncture
Relaxation tapes
Breathing techniques
Hypnosis (by a qualified practitioner)
Massage
Meditation
Floatation (tanks of salt water lets
you rest weightlessly)
Gentle exercises (Tai Chi,Yoga etc.)
Psychotherapy (Behavioural therapy helps you
look at your life in a different way and make
positive changes)
Also: positive thinking; visualization and
imagery; writing therapy or drama therapy
There are many people offering routes to stress
management, some may be able to help you,
others may not. If you are in any doubt about
where to find qualified practitioners, the staff at
your general practice may be able to advise you.