Manage Your Stress All Year With These Tips
By Genevieve Cunningham
Stress is one of life's greatest frustrations. We can't avoid it. It makes us sick. It makes life difficult. And worst of all, it's so hard to get rid of. Sometimes it seems like nothing works. As soon as one stress leaves, another enters our life like a freight train. But maybe it's not the stress itself that is doing so much damage, but rather our approach to it. If we could get rid of stress, we'd have already done it, right? So why not try to manage it instead? If you're sick of dealing with stress in your life, take a look at these tips for managing stress all year long.
Create Schedules
Schedules help us keep order. And order helps reduce stress. You don't have to keep a strict schedule. If it's too strict, it'll only cause you more stress. But following things like bedtimes, wake-up routines, and work schedules can help lower the stress of everyday life.
Focus on the Positives
Nothing causes stress like negativity. If all you can see and think about are the bad things in your life, you're in for a lifetime of stress. Instead, start thinking about all of the things that are going right. Maybe you don't love your job -- but you have a job. Maybe you don't love your house or car -- but at least you have shelter and a means of transportation. Focus on the positive things, and the stress will weaken a little more every day.
Balance Need and Want
We tend to cram our lives with too much to do. We run from one thing to the next, always hoping that staying busy is the way to be happy. But in order to lessen stress, we have to lessen our busyness. And the best way to do this is by deciphering which things are needed and which are merely wanted. Focus on the needs first. Do tasks that can't wait, but then allow for some fun in your life. Your needs and desires should be balanced. The more balance you have, the more you can enjoy your life, and the less stress you're likely to experience on a daily basis.
Stress is a part of life, and it's one that we can't avoid. But luckily, it's one we can learn to manage. Use these tips to keep the stress in your life under control, and you can improve your health and your life in the future.
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