Most
people have some stress in their lives. Too much stress, however,
is not good for your mental or physical health. Stress can cause
many symptoms.
You
can feel better if you do these things:
Share
your problems with family or friends. Talking things over will help.
Do NOT try to
do everything at once. List the things you need to do, and then start
with the most important one. Finish that thing and move on to the
next important item on your list. Reward yourself when you finish
something.
Exercise at least
3 times a week. This will help you relax. You don't need expensive
equipment to exercise. Even walking is good for you.
Eat a balanced
diet. Avoid junk food. Extra B vitamins can help. Too much caffeine
(coffee, strong tea and colas) and nicotine (cigarettes) add to the
problem.
Get lots of sleep.
Take a break
and have some fun. Better to work hard for a few hours and then have
a good break, than to work long periods and get little done because
of fatigue.
Take a short
time-out from stressful situations. Relax your body by closing your
eyes and taking some deep breaths. Tense the muscles of your face
for a few seconds then relax them. Do this again with the muscles
of your neck, shoulders, hands, stomach, back and legs.
Develop a hobby
or interest.
If you are breathing
too quickly (hyperventilating), try to calm your breathing. Breathing
into a small paper bag that surrounds your mouth for a few minutes
will help many people feel better.
Alcohol and drugs
are NOT the answer. Say no.
If the problem
is serious, you should get some help by seeing a trained counsellor.
Your family doctor would be a good person to see. Seeing a psychiatrist
or a psychologist might also be necessary.
