How to Control Your Personal Stress Level

Some people have personalities that can actually increase the amount of stress they may experience. Others have personalities that help them deal with stress in a more relaxed and composed manner. Regardless, for long term mental health and effectiveness, you must learn to overcome your personality's natural reactive tendencies and proactively manage stress. Use these strategies for personal control of your stress level.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Insight into your personality style
• A stress management approach

1. Instead of lashing out at others or yourself, step back and re-evaluate your priorities. Manage any anger or hostility and use tact or diplomacy when dealing with others.

2. Don't ignore the problem, hope it will go away or procrastinate. Focus and hold yourself accountable for the outcome or solution.

3. Keep anxious thoughts at bay by verbalizing feelings or opinions.

4. Refuse to withdraw, clam-up or worry about looking bad. Instead, share what's really going on inside and make a decision to move forward.

5. Watch out for perfectionist tendencies. Make use of available facts and information and then make a decision. Use more positive self-talk.

6. Identify the positive steps you will take to control your personal stress level. Record these in a journal and review them at least once a week to be sure you are on the right track. Feel free to add new things as you grow more comfortable managing your stress level. Don't forget to celebrate as you make progress.

Resources

• FREE Stress Management Resources
• Answers to Your Questions about Job & Stress