Stress Management: Psych-tips, Issue 8

Stress Management: Psych-tips, Issue 8

Feeling stressed? This month we`ve focused on stress management techniques, ways of identifying and dealing with stress. Perhaps the best way to cope with stress is to learn how to avoid it in the first place. Stress arises when we feel out-of-control. Here are some tips to help you take control and reduce your stress.

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My Tip of the Week: Take Control of Your Stress
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When you begin to feel tense and overwhelmed, stop what your doing and try to look at your situation from a fresh perspective. Ask yourself, "Why am I feeling this way? If this task doesn`t get done, what`s the worst thing that can happen?" Be realistic. Is it really the end of the world? A year from now, will it be important? All too often we get stressed out over everyday things whose consequences are minimal. Try to look at the "big picture."

Another way to take control is to get more done by using your time more effectively. Make use of wasted time. Carry pocket work--something that you can do while waiting. Whether it`s reading for the train, or flash cards to study. Ten minutes here, fifteen there; it adds up. Plus, cognitive psychology and memory research has shown that we can recall more information if we work and study in short periods rather than long ones, so you just might learn more!

Finally, set aside time for yourself each day. It may not be a lot of time, but even 15-20 minutes of time just for you can help. What do you do during this time? Anything that makes you feel good. Write in your journal, read a magazine, meditate. Some days you might find that you can spare hours and others only a few minutes, but it`s important to make some time everyday for you.

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My Recommended Site of the Week
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The Stress Site
http://www.the-stress-site.com/

For other ways of dealing with stress, check out the Stress Site, a page that claims to be the biggest and best resource on stress:

As a college professor and freelance writer, Tara Kuther, Ph.D., is overly familiar with the stress and it`s effect on health. Ease her worries by subscribing to Growing Up, her website/newsletter on lifespan development, psychology, health, and personal growth. Send a blank email to growingup-subscribe@egroups.com