Recognizing Stress
There are several keys to managing stress. First, learn to recognize when you're under stress and what triggers it. The demands of daily life that trigger the stress response are called stressors. Before you can change your response to your stressors, you need to know what they are and how they affect you.
Responding Better to Stress
Life is full of stressors you can't control. But you can learn more positive ways of responding to them. Changing your response is your most powerful tool for combating stress. Even when you can't avoid stressors, you do have control over the way you respond. There are many methods for changing your response. With practice, you can find one or more that work for you.
Living a Healthy Life
Keeping yourself healthy helps you deal better with stress. This means getting enough sleep, eating right, and exercising. It also means knowing what you value most in life and making time for yourself. If you don't take care of yourself, stress is even more difficult to combat.
Relaxing to Slow Down
Relaxing can help you prevent or relieve stressful feelings. To do this, practice relaxation techniques daily and when you're stressed. This tip may also help: When you're facing a stressor, pause for a moment. Then take a deep breath and slowly breathe out as you count to 10. This will help clear your mind so you can respond to stress better.