Living a Stress-free Lifestyle

HOW often have you heard your friends, colleagues or family members say, "I feel so stressed out"? A friend of mine recently lamented that living this life is simply stressful.

"Having a relationship is stressful, keeping fit and healthy is stressful, making decisions is stressful, work is stressful, even having guests over for dinner is stressful," she went on and on. But is life really stressful or is it what we make of it? I believe it's the latter. People who often feel stressed out are those who start out doing things with negative thoughts and feelings. They let negative feelings build up inside them.

These are also people who are introverts. They don't share and discuss their feelings or apprehension. Stress also occurs because people take on more than they can handle at one time. They push themselves too hard and in the end, have little to show.

In my friend, Millie's case, her "stressful life" developed out of the fact that she does not know how to relax, that she competes and tries to keep up with everyone that she knows and that she wants everything done her way. Though some level of stress in our lives is good, too much can be damaging to our physical, emotional and mental health. I offered Millie the following suggestions, which could, to a certain extent, help eliminate stress, if not, the least, lower the levels. She has taken up the suggestions and maybe it might just work for you as well and help you lead a more relaxed life.

Communicate With Friends
If you have problems, always talk them over with your friends or family members. Never keep your problems or feelings suppressed without overcoming them.

Always talk it out with friends. Learn to listen and consider suggestions with an open mind.

I have always found discussions with friends as a good therapy. Some suggestions help me overcome the way I feel and at certain times, they are the answers or solutions to the problems I face.

Have Positive Feelings
Never start off anything with negative feelings. Never let anger or frustration take control. Negative feelings only sap your energy and keeps you from achieving your goals. Be patient as it takes you a long way.

Don't Pressure Yourself
Don't push yourself to do too many things all at one go. Don't rush. Always plan ahead. Give yourself enough time to complete one task before taking on another. Good time management and planning will help you take things a lot easier.

Set Realistic Goals
Each and every one of us is an individual with our own set of capabilities and shortcomings. You must learn to accept that there are certain things that others can do and we cannot. As such, it's important that you realise your abilities and set goals that are achievable. Be realistic when setting goals and be prepared to adjust your goals as conditions and situations around you change.

Learn To Adapt And Change
If it's time to change and move on for the better, then do it. Don't resist change just for the sake of it. Many people prefer the status quo, and as such, are not open for change even though it is usually for the better. Understand that the more you resist, the more stressful you'll become.

If you know a situation or condition will not return to its prior state, accept it and adjust yourself.

Always Co-Operate
Don't always believe that you are right and others are wrong. Learn to accept other people's viewpoints and opinions.
Don't get upset when people do things differently from you. Instead of confronting them, why not co-operate and understand why people say or do the things they do. Going head on and fighting everyone who thinks differently will only make you feel more stressed.

Remember the old adage, "If you can't fight them, join them". It will probably do you a lot of good.

Take A Break
Always set time aside for recreation, hobbies or exercise which can help you wind down and take your mind off the mundane and routine things in your life. Any form of exercise can help release tension and make you feel better. This will also give you a better perspective of what's happening around you.

Eat Healthy And Stay Healthy
We've all heard of the saying, "A healthy man is a wealthy man". Always remember to eat wisely and never overindulge in food. Keep in mind that eating healthy food, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep takes some stress away. It's proven that lack of sleep and poor diet will only make a person more irritable and tense.