Self-Care Tips for Stress Awareness Month
It’s a well-known fact that stress can seriously impact health. Follow these tips to control stress for a happier, healthier lifestyle.
- Get organized.
Consider this “spring cleaning” for life. Schedule daily and weekly tasks such as cleaning, shopping, cooking and exercising. Create organized living and work spaces by putting everything in its proper place to streamline your surroundings. - Exercise daily.
Once commitments are under control through better time management, exercising can become a priority. Exercise helps improve mood, confidence and overall outlook. - Cultivate social support.
Spend time with family or friends to discuss stressful situations. They may be able to help with ideas or strategies to overcome obstacles when life feels overwhelming. - Schedule in leisure time.
People who make time for recreational activity are more likely to rebound from stressful situations and less likely to suffer from burnout. - Control habits that make stress worse.
Both alcohol and nicotine increase heart rate, blood pressure and stress. Quit smoking and limit caffeine intake to help reduce daily stress. Eating right and getting enough sleep are also important factors in managing stress. Regular, nutritious food intake and an adequate amount of sleep supply energy throughout the day and can help prevent stress-related hunger and fatigue. - Use problem-solving skills for stressors.
Analyze problems rationally. Try to figure out the root causes of stress and determine creative ways to change the situation or your mindset about the situation. Do more thinking and planning and less worrying. - Develop a healthy outlook.
A sense of confidence and competence is an essential component of stress resistance. Believing in your own strengths and abilities can help protect against unnecessary stress. - Strengthen commitment to life goals and values.
Finally, it’s time for a re-evaluation. Sit down and write out goals, values and dreams to rekindle a sense of purpose and meaning and move forward with less stress in the present and in the future.
For additional total well-being resources, contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by ACI Specialty Benefits at 800.932.0034 or eapinfo@acispecialtybenefits.com.