Wellness Center

How to Develop a Low-Stress Lifestyle

You can fortify your resistance to being over-stressed – any time of the year – by adopting a lifestyle that helps keep stress at low or moderate levels. Try some of the lifestyle strategies below to improve the way you manage stress in your life.

Lifestyle Strategies

• Look at stress as your body's way of telling you that you need to change. Use the motivation from stressful problems to help you change those things that need changing in your life.

• Get adequate rest, at least seven to eight hours each night. If you are well rested, you can deal more effectively with stressors.

• Be physically active 30 or more minutes each day. Physical activity releases tension and normalizes stress hormones. It will also help you get a good night's sleep.

• Eat well. Enjoy three nutritious meals each day. Make one a warm, sit-down meal. Avoid skipping meals which can make your blood sugar level dip, causing irritability and stress.

• Build meaningful, supportive relationships with other people. Meet new people by joining a club, civic group, or church, or by volunteering in your community. Renew your commitment to friends and loved ones already in your life.

• Break the stress cycle with daily relaxation. Take frequent breaks throughout the day: stretch, get a drink of water, take a brief walk, practice deep breathing, take a one-minute vacation to a serene location (closing your eyes, using visual imagery), enjoy a hot bath.

• Be kind to yourself. Don't be over-critical of yourself or put yourself down. Recognize that everyone makes mistakes.

• Do something you enjoy each day (do a crossword puzzle, garden, write in your journal, read a magazine, try a new recipe, make something with your hands, or work on a project).

• Don't use or abuse alcohol, drugs, or other addictive substances. Avoid turning to band-aid fixes to stress, such as having a few beers, or juicing up on caffeine to make up for sleep deprivation. Instead, learn stress management skills that can last a lifetime.

• Learn how to communicate with other people more effectively. Learn how to resolve conflicts. Learn to be assertive but not aggressive. (That is, learn to ask for what you want in a direct way that is not threatening to others.)

• Learn how to manage your time more effectively. Make lists, plan ahead, and avoid procrastination.

• Seek assistance. If you feel stuck or have problems or conflicts you cannot resolve on your own, seek help. Consult with a counselor, pastor, or health professional who can offer you guidance and understanding.

Source:

1. Greenberg J. Comprehensive stress management. Third Edition. Wm. C. Brown Publishers. Dubuque, IA.

2. Stress – Lifestyle changes. DrKoop.com.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis of specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt professional medical attention if you have a particular concern about your health or specific symptoms. Wellsource, Inc. is not liable for any health consequences resulting from your use of this site.