25 Tips to Beat Stress

Here are 25 tips to beat stress grouped into Do’s and Don’t that are easy to implement yet very effective at lowering one’s level of stress:

Recognize or be open to the notion that stress may be affecting you or could do in the future.
Talk to someone you really trust face to face, or by telephone, letter or even e-mail.
Take time out to play a sport, entertainment or take part in activities with family or friends. Having a laugh has been proven to be a great way to de-stress.
Exercise on a regular basis – this can include a daily brisk walk – triggers the body to release endorphins. Aside from various health benefits of exercise, these chemicals reduce pain and promote a positive mindset that counter stress, anxiety and enhance self-esteem. Afterwards consider visiting a professional massage therapist to relax your muscles and further de-stress your body.
Eat a balanced diet whenever possible.
Get plenty of sleep as this helps you stay fresh and gives you more energy during the daytime. Taking a 30 minute power nap can recharge your batteries.
Avoid self-medication with using cigarettes (nicotine), alcohol, too much coffee or tranquilizers. Instead consider meditation or relaxation techniques.
Try doing something for others, such as colleagues, friends, family or your partner. It’s also good Karma.
Try to take one thing at a time when possible, if not, don’t take on too much at the same time.
Try to avoid unnecessary conflict, at work, home and socially.

Develop a hobby or interest as a counter-balance to stressful pressures.
Listen to your body and act on its advice. If you feel tired have a break.
Delegate responsibility and/or tasks where possible.
Manage your time better; you need a system that works for you, not against you.
Plan ahead for workload and social activities to prevent too much pressure building up.
Draw up an action plan to tackle the causes of your stress.
Given that stressors (stress triggers) can be multi-layered, be realistic and accept that identifying and eliminating them may take time.
When one is confronted by a stress trigger that may not be able to be eliminated, one must adapt. Acceptance or avoidance of them may be necessary.
A high percentage of people prone to stress have perfectionist tendencies. Having high standards is fine so long as one’s health doesn’t begin to suffer unduly. Therefore, try not to be so hard on yourself and accept perfection is only a state of mind.
Try to break down a problem into smaller pieces and deal with them individually.
Reward yourself and be pleased with your achievements when you are successful in making positive changes, even small ones.

Let work or family commitments become an addiction.
Feel guilty about taking time out for yourself; you are important too.
Put off relaxing; use a relaxation stress reduction technique daily.
Feel like you cannot say no! Taking on too much, despite the best of intentions, can be counterproductive…poor work and mistakes does not earn respect.