Lifestyle Changes for Stress Management

What are some lifestyle changes for stress that work?

Lifestyle Changes for Stress Reduction - Things to avoid:

• Quit smoking. Smoking does give temporary relief at the price of damage to the body permanently at a later time. This may be the most difficult thing to give up especially when you are under stress. Put this down as a long-term goal.

• Don't use alcohol to cope. It simply masks the problems (by numbing your brain) and will lead to more serious problems down the road.

• Avoid using prescription sedatives when possible. Ultimately, you'll need to get to the root of the problem or it will continue to be there.

• Attitude is everything. Although not easy, it is essential that you work towards developing a positive attitude towards life's challenges.

• Recognize that many things in life you have no control over. Focus on those that you have some control over. Find out things that triggers anxiety so that you are better prepared when it happens again.

• Establish or re-establish relationships with friends and family members.

• Mild, moderate or vigorous exercise allows you to "release" the stress and actually makes your body more able to cope.

• Time management and scheduling of activities go a long way.

• Make a list of things you need to do (if that's what stressing you out). Prioritize them and work on them one at a time. Realize that you can not get to all the tasks at once.

• Listen to music if you enjoy it. Music therapy has been shown to be able to modify a person's emotion and mood and can help with reducing stress.

• Relaxation exercises. Set aside 10-20 minutes daily or every other day. Sit comfortably, close your eyes imagine relaxing all the muscles in your body. Breathe through your nose and become aware of your breathing. Have background music playing if you desire it.