STRESS MANAGEMENT TIPS

Stress is literally a killer and can make life a misery. Use these stress management

tips to get and stay on top of stress.

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Stress Management Tip No. 1 - Two circles that could change your life !

These two circles certainly helped me sort my head out - I hope they work for you too.

Step 1. Firstly, find a quiet corner where you are not likely to be disturbed for about 30 minutes.

Step 2. Next, draw two circles, one inside the other, the larger circle should be the width of an A4 piece of paper, the smaller circle should be about half the size of the larger circle. Good, so now you should have two circles on your page, one inside the other which is about half the size of the larger one.

Step 3. Next, with a pencil, write down IN THE OUTER RING all the things that are causing you stress (THE CAUSES) ie too much work, not enough time etc., Think long and hard here and be open and honest - no one else will see this piece of paper (unless you want them to).

Step 4. Next, write down, on a separate piece of paper, the ACTIONS you need to take to reduce or eliminate the stress caused by each individual CAUSE. If the ACTION is within reach and you think that you can and will do it then move the CAUSE to your INNER CIRCLE, erasing it from the OUTER RING. Step 5. You should now be left with three things: A list of stress CAUSES that you can do something about, they are in your INNER CIRCLE. A list of stress CAUSES that you CANNOT do one thing about, they are the ones left in the OUTER RING.A list of ACTIONS that you are going to take to reduce your stress levels. Step 6. One of the most important steps. Complete your list of ACTIONS. If you cannot complete the ACTION for whatever reason then the CAUSE should be moved back to the OUTER RING. Step 7. LISTEN BIG HERE. Stop worrying about any CAUSES left in your OUTER RING. You CANNOT do anything about them - so stop worrying - kick them out of your OUTER RING by either letting the issue go - or move it inside your INNER CIRCLE by doing something about it.  Conclusion: To reduce the amount of stress don't let CAUSES get left in the OUTER RING - this is where stress is created.  Change It !

I appreciate that there may be some big decisions here....

Stress Management Tip No. 2 - Get Fitter !

Exercise daily. Don't smoke. Don't drink alcohol. Drink lots of water. Eat vegetarian.

Don't believe me? Try it for 2 weeks (you might be a little grumpy to start) and let me know how you went.

PS I don't follow this advice most of the time.........but I feel very good when I do !

Stress Management Tip No. 3 - Set Goals

Go and find a quiet spot where you won't be disturbed for 30 minutes, preferably away from any distractions. Take a pen and paper. Sit for ten minutes and try to clear your head of any thoughts. Now, draw a line on your piece of paper, at one end of the line imagine one dimension of your perfect life. To define your "perfect" life may be difficult, so start with something simple - i.e. what type of car would you like to drive in your perfect life? Let's call this  Goal A. Now draw a circle at one end of your line and write in the circle whatever you have defined Goal A to be. Now, decide how close you are to achieving Goal A in your real life. If you are close then place an "X" near to the Goal A circle, if you are a long way away in real terms, then place your "X" further away on your line. Next, imagine the steps that you have to take to move the "X" nearer to your Goal. In fact, don't just imagine them please write them down ! Each step might actually be made up of several sub-steps i.e. STEP = get money, SUB-STEP = find job etc. The further you are away probably means that there are more steps to take.

Order your steps and sub-steps into a logical sequence.

When you have finished this task you should now have a clear plan how to achieve ONE dimension of your "perfect" life. Can you achieve the steps ? If you can then start - the longest journey begins with a single step. If the steps are literally IMPOSSIBLE - then you probably need to redefine your GOAL.

The outcome of this exercise should be less stress because you have lined up your ACTIONS with your GOALS, or at least got them a lot closer.

More on this in the next edition......I'd be interested in your thoughts so far.....

Stress Management Tip No. 4 - THINGS I WISH I'D KNOWN......

Any and all compliments can be handled by simply saying "Thank you."

Some people are working backstage, some are playing in the orchestra,
some are on-stage singing, some are in the audience as critics and some
are there to applaud. Know who and where you are.

Never give yourself a haircut after three margaritas.

When baking, follow directions. When cooking, go by your own taste.

Never continue dating anyone who is rude to the waiter.

Never refuse a breath mint when offered.

You need only two tools. WD-40 and duct tape.  If it doesn't move and it
should, use WD-40.  If it moves and shouldn't, use the tape.

If you tell a lie, don't believe it deceives only the other person.

The five most essential words for a healthy, vital relationship: "I
apologize" and "You are right".

Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

When you make a mistake, make amends immediately.  It's easier to eat
crow while it's still warm.

I've learned to pick my battles; I ask myself, Will this matter one year
from now?  How about one month?  One week?  One day?

Never pass up an opportunity to pee.

If you woke up breathing, congratulations!  You have another chance!

Living as well as you can really is the best revenge.  Being miserable
because of a bad or former relationship just proves that the other
person was right about you.

Work is good but it's not that important.

Never underestimate the kindness of your fellow man.

And finally... Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just
means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections.

Stress Management Tip No. 5 - Be True

If you really want to eradicate stress from your life then you need to be true to yourself and true to your family. Being true to yourself means doing a job that you enjoy, can handle within your capacity and one that satisfies your body, mind, heart and soul.

Try this little test: Mark on the line with a 'X' where you think your current job is in terms of your own personal motivation and satisfaction.

BODY                 MIND                     HEART                                          SOUL

It also means exercising and playing regularly, eating properly and not drinking (at all if you can). Smoking is a waste of time, as is gambling. Being true to your family is fairly simple - it is about keeping promises and making time.

Stress Management Tip No. 6  - The Last Straw

Think of the saying "It was the straw that broke the camel's back." It wasn't the weight (or stress) of that final straw that caused the break, but the accumulation of many separate straws. It's the same with stress. So, the first thing to do if you regularly feel stressed is to DO LESS! Simplify. Set priorities. Prevent getting to the breaking point.

Next, do something to relax every day. Proven techniques include deep breathing, meditation, tai chi, yoga, journaling, prayer, guided imagery, and/or vigorous exercise. These all help reduce stimulation to the body and mind and regain a deep sense of peace and well-being. Think of them as taking "straws" off the camel's back so there is more room for more without breaking.

How to "De-Stress"

• Get more rest.

• Develop a weekly schedule.

• Learn to manage time more effectively.

• Exercise regularly.

• Do less. Simplify. Set priorities.

• Cut down on drinking alcohol (or don't drink at all).

• Reduce caffeine consumption.

• Practice a relaxation technique at least 15 min./day.

• Make an appointment with a health educator or counselor to learn effective stress management skills.

• Get information on a yoga, tai chi, or medication class.

• Laugh, laugh, laugh, laugh!

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TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS

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Copyright Allen Jesson :) 2001-2004

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