Ten Ways to Reduce Stress
by Maureen Zinda
- Get enough sleep
People need rest to function well. Many people need a full 8 hours of sleep. Plan for it.
- Eat a nutritious breakfast
Add protein, dairy, fruit and fiber into every breakfast so that you have fuel to get through the day.
- Plan your day on paper or on computer but write it down
Make a plan in writing identifying what is important for you to do today. Prioritize your items so that you have no more than three “A” priorities on your list to do.
- Set up tasks for each goal or priority
Identify the steps that are necessary for each goal and put in writing. Now you have a plan of action.
- Create a flexible schedule
Do not fill up every minute in your day timer. Leave room for change and the unexpected addition. Your tasks must be in your planner also in order to be successful.
- Take scheduled breaks and lunch
Get away from your work area and sit and relax if only for 20 minutes. Enjoy the outside if you can. Spend time reading to increase your knowledge. Spend time in quiet time to relax.
- Get in 10 minutes of exercise 3 times a day.
Walk around the block at work or the job site, walk to the store or restaurant for lunch, park your car at the end of the parking lot, or walk to work, if possible. Join a group and walk for your lunch for just 30 minutes and you are done.
- Take 5 minute deep breathing relaxation breaks when you need them
Close your eyes and inhale to the count of 6 and exhale that breath to the count of 8. The slower the better. Do that slowly for 2 minutes and relax your body for 3 minutes.
- Take time to converse with those that you love.
Share your feelings, your thoughts and your day’s activities. Listen to what they have to say with interest. Set a regular time in the evening for you and your partner to talk.
- Ask for what you need and limit your expectations of people
People can’t read your mind and therefore need to be told how they can help you. Having too many expectations of others may set you up for disappointment. You can only control yourself. Set limitations and boundaries so people know where they stand with you.
Written by Maureen Zinda, Personal Life Coach. Permission to copy this document granted as long as proper credit is given.