5 Ways to Manage Stress Long Term
5 ways to manage stress long term
1. Set yourself a goal
Setting yourself goals and challenges, whether at work or outside, such as learning a new language or training for a race, can help you switch off from the high pressures of daily life - and build your confidence.
"By continuing to learn, you become more emotionally resilient as a person," says Professor Cary Cooper, an occupational health expert at the University of Lancaster. "It arms you with knowledge and makes you want to do things rather than be passive, such as watching TV all the time."
2. Meet friends and laugh
Make a habit of seeing friends and loved ones at least once a week. If your schedule makes this impossible, squeeze in a call every so often for a chat - and a giggle.
Socialising and taking part in activities is the perfect stress reliever as interaction can naturally help you unwind.
"Talking things through with a friend will also help you find solutions to your problems," says Professor Cooper.
"Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the natural feel-good chemicals that make us happier and relaxed."
3. Enjoy some me time
The need for 'me time' can often be overlooked - but spending time on ourselves can have an incredibly positive impact on our day-to-day life - whether it be 10 minutes to pick out a new nail colour, a hot soak, or a good book in bed.
4. Quit smoking/binge drinking
Turning to alcohol or cigarettes may be an obvious choice - but in the long term, it'll only result in you feeling worse.
If you feel under pressure - talk about your situation to a friend, colleague or loved one - and try to tackle the cause of the stress. Once you've identified it, you can start to eliminate the problem.
5. Be positive
Life isn't perfect - and that's just that.
"People don’t always appreciate what they have," says Professor Cooper. "Try to be glass half full instead of glass half empty," he says.
Try writing down three things that went well, or for which you're grateful, at the end of every day.

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