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Top 10 life stressors to avoid

Stress; no matter how hard we try to avoid it, it’s just a part of life. And while a certain amount of stress is healthy, if it’s starting to take over and affect your quality of life (and state of mind) then it’s time to evaluate what is making you so stressed and how you can take steps to change it. Here are our top 10 stressors to avoid.

Not enough sleep


Getting more sleep is easier said than done. And even if you do set time aside for more sleep, that time isn't going to matter if your QUALITY of sleep is suffering.

You can do this by establishing a constant bedtime routine and going to sleep and waking up at the same time - even on weekends. Make your bedroom a sleep haven by minimizing noise, light and electronic devices. If you are having trouble drifting off to sleep, try downloading some free meditation podcasts that will keep your mind spinning with daily drudgery. Sleep is just one small part of a healthy lifestyle - to treat it, you need to have a look at the rest of your lifestyle, and that includes your diet and physical activity.

Not enough 'me' time


Are you constantly on the go and being pushed and pulled in different directions? That heightened state of tension is menacing your body so you will never have the chance to get rid of your stress.

If you fail to take time out, you are actually decreasing your effectiveness. It's so important to 'schedule' in this time. It could mean waking up 15 minutes earlier before the rest of the house-hold to spend quiet time doing yoga before the madness of your day starts. Learn to say no and delegate. Prioritise. However you do it, remember that if you're not healthy and well, you're no good to anyone.

Forgetting to live in the moment


If you're experiencing stress, four simple words may be able to help you out - this too will pass. Put things in perspective - ask yourself, what's the worst that can happen?

Even more useful is the rocking chair test - ask yourself when you are grey and old and sitting on your verandah looking over your life, how will this moment of 'stress' relate to other moments in your life? Will you even remember it?

Enjoy the moment you are in and stop worrying about an hour, a day, a week from now. Be present. If you are always worrying about what comes next, you run the risk of missing out in the here and now.

Taking on too much


Do you have trouble saying no because you don't want to let people down? This will probably leave you stressing about having too much to do, and can even make you resentful. If you're overloaded, you won't be able to give what you do your best.

Instead, know your limitations. Be honest with people and learn to set boundaries and say no. And remember: it's not a sign of weakness to ask for a helping hand, so seek help if you need it.

Conflicts


You're not always going to see to eye to eye with everyone in your life - and that means family, friends and work colleagues - so stop trying to. While you shouldn't be a pushover (this again can lead to resentment) conflicts and arguments will just contribute to your stress levels. Instead, take time out to assess the situation - don't' make decisions when you're angry. Try to avoid an argument at all costs, instead, simply try to arrive at a solution that both parties are reasonably happy with. Frank discussion is better than bitter dispute.

Letting the small stuff get to you


One piece of advice that comes up in every self help book you care to pick up is that being grateful is the quickest way to snap yourself out of defeatist behavior. Next time you're tempted to complain or winge, instead think about what you have to be grateful for. That could mean being thankful for your family, your healthy body, that you have a roof over your head and something to eat.

Another way to gain perspective is to volunteer. There are many organisations that are desperate for volunteers in the community, and there's no quicker way to feel grateful for your own life than working with people less fortunate than yourself.

While feeling unappreciated triggers burnout, coaching others kindles compassion, which in turn switches off the stress response, says psychologist and Prevention expert Gordon Spence, PhD.

Living with regret


We've all had that moment when we've wanted a time machine to take us back and erase a certain situation, and while regret can have damaging effects on mind and body when it turns into fruitless rumination and self blame, it can also be a useful emotion. The pain of regret can result in taking corrective action or pursuing a new path. It's a function for survival - it's our brains way of telling us to take another look at our choices. Instead of living in regret, think of it as a lesson in the classroom of life.

If there is nothing you can do to change the situation, then let it go - find a way to forgive yourself and move on.

Living an unhealthy lifestyle


Simply put, if you're not looking after yourself, you can't look after anyone else. While some people might adopt an unhealthy lifestyle due to lack of time â


Not making time for exercise


Exercise in particular can be great for stress relief â

Being negative


This is another consistent lesson from self help books - and there's a good reason for that - being positive actually works! Even if your world is falling down around you, if you can find that silver lining with a can-do attitude, then you're half way there to finding a solution.

Adopting a humorous view towards life's situations can take the edge off everyday stressors.

Get a 'humour' board on Pinterest or collate some funny videos on Youtube that make you laugh - Not being in 'serious mode' all the time can help you to have clearer thinking â

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