How to Handle Stress More Efficiently

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By Shirley Philbrick, eHow Member

Article Rating: (21 Ratings)

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Relax

Stress. It's the original "4 letter word", isn't it ? (Ok, I don't mean literally. I realize it has 6 letters !)
Stress means one thing when people hear it; and it's not good. It's that word that tightens you all up inside and causes you to draw a mental shell around you for protection. But, there are ways to handle stress more efficiently than you may be doing right now.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

TO HANDLE STRESS MORE EFFICIENTLY - THINK A DIFFERENT THOUGHT:

Remember this: What you see as stressful or anxiety producing, another does not. Mental stress is nothing more than a way of seeing something as negative.

Thinking a different thought is changing what your thought pattern currently is to a slightly better feeling one. Don't try to make a huge leap.

For example, "I'm so angry at my son for not getting his chores done !" to "It's no big deal if he doesn't get them done." (Obviously if it stresses you out, then it IS important and so this is too big a shift to make happen.)

A more efficient feel better thought might be, "He has had a lot to do with school lately. I'll talk to him later and see how we can make time to get his work done too."
Step 2

WORK AT THINKING a thought (in whatever situation) that makes you feel even the least bit better. Better to escalate a thought in an upward, positive fashion rather than escalate it in a downward spiral (which is more commonly done when under stress) !!
Step 3

CARRY A WORRY STONE:

Many years ago, I had a lengthy time period of stress related, disappointing situations. I began to carry a small, smoothly polished quartz stone in my pocket at all times. When tough moments inevitably arrived, I could reach in my pocket and take out the stone and turn it over in my hand, rub the smoothness of it with my thumb, and feel the coolness of it in my palm. It really worked to change my perspective; perhaps by simple distraction or by focusing elsewhere but on the situation at hand. It is a small thing, but can reap major benefits in your ability to handle stress more efficiently.
Step 4

BREATHE:

Everyone knows this one, right? But does everyone practice it in a stressful situation ?

When you feel your blood pressure starting to rise, or your muscles tightening up, or that familiar tension in your chest or stomach due to stress - breathe in to the count of 4. Hold your breath to the count of 7. Exhale to the count of 8. (In, 2,3,4..... Hold, 2,3,4,5,6,7.....Out, 2,3,4,5,6,7,8)
Step 5

TRY MASSAGE TO HANDLE STRESS MORE EFFICIENTLY:

Using it for "maintenance" (1-4 times per month), is one of the best stress busters I know. Think about it.....it is a time carved out just for you and you alone. You have no responsibilities in this space, nothing to do, nowhere else to be. Massage can literally take you to another place in your mind that is calm and serene.

It's also proven scientifically to lower stress hormones, regulate blood pressure, ease muscular tension, and soothe the nervous system. All huge benefits in stress reduction.
Step 6

See resources below for more information on how to cope with stress.