OCTOBER 2012 - Understanding Stress & How to Manage it

It’s important to note that Stress is NOT Depression.  Stress is a response to an event or situation.  Stress is common in daily life and may be associated with work, family or personal relationships and it may seem that there’s nothing you can do about it, at the time.

But, you have more control than you might give yourself credit for.  The simple realisation that you’re in control of your life, is the foundation of Stress Management. 

“Managing Stress is all about taking charge: of your thoughts, emotions, schedule and the way you deal with problems.”

Identify the sources of stress in your life is the best way to begin your stress management plan.  Although, this isn’t as easy as it sounds.  It’s not always obvious to find the true sources of your stress, as it’s easy to overlook your own thoughts, feelings and emotions.  To identify your true sources of stress, look closely at your habits, attitude and excuses.

Your stress levels may remain the same or get more out of your control until you accept responsibility for the role you play in creating your stress…

One way to help you identify your true sources of stress is using a ‘stress journal.’ Each time you feel stressed, write down;

1. — What caused the stress
2. — How you felt, both physically and emotionally
3. — How you acted in response
4. — What you did (or could do next time) to make yourself feel better

Look at how you currently cope with stress

Let us take a moment, and think about how we currently manage and cope with the stress in our lives.

Unfortunately, many people cope with stress in ways that compound the problem;

• Smoking      
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Sleeping too much
• Drug abuse
• Overeating or under-eating
• Procrastination
• Taking out stress on others

Learning healthier ways to manage & cope with stress

Let’s take a look at the four A’s: Avoid, Alter, Adapt or Accept - all of these have one common denominator: they require ‘Change’.  You can either change your  situation or change your reaction.

Stress Management Strategy #1 - Avoid unnecessary stress   

Not all stress can be avoided, but you may be surprised however, by the number of stressors in your life that you can eliminate.

• Learn how to say ‘NO’ - know your limits & stick to them
• Avoid people who stress you out - limit the amount of time you spend with someone to consistently causes you stress. Take control of your environment
• Avoid hot-button topics of conversation - i.e. politics or religion if these make you uncomfortable or stressed

Stress Management Strategy #2: Alter the Situation - if you can’t avoid a    stressful situation, try to alter it;

• Express your feeling instead of bottling it up
• Be willing to compromise
• Be more assertive
• Manage your time better

Stress Management Strategy #3: Adapt to the Stressor - If you can’t change the stressor, change yourself!

• Reframe problems - try to view stressful situations from a more positive point of view. ü Focus on the Positive
• Look at the big picture ü Adjust your standards

Stress Management Strategy #4: Accept the things you can’t change

• Don’t try to control the uncontrollable 
• Look for the upside
• Share your feelings
• Learn to forgive

 Feel Alive, Feel Healthy, Feel Good - www.calannapharmacy.com.au