Live a Productive & Stress Free Life!

Architects and structural engineers get paid big bucks to design buildings strong enough to withstand the damaging impact brought on by Mother Nature’s fury. Architects use building codes, blueprints and computer simulations to help them identify and mitigate stress-fatigue factors, which might contribute to the collapse of the building. Ironically, people, like buildings, are also susceptible to stress-fatigue factors and physical collapse brought on by the crippling affects derived from excessive fear, anxiety and worry. Research indicates that a person will react to stressful situations based upon the temperament style that he or she was born into. For example, aggressive people have “anger management,” expressive people have “emotional management,” passive people have “self-esteem management,” and analytical people have “stress management.” In other words, people who tend to be extremely detailed, organized, critical and shy attract stress into their lives like metal shavings are drawn to a magnet.
The major behaviors associated with people under stress include; aloofness, increased sadness, panic attacks, overly sarcastic humor and extreme negative self-talk. Stress occurs when an analytical or “melancholy” type of person is overwhelmed by his or her attempts to balance their physical, financial, personal, spiritual and career interests. The long-term affects of prolonged stress are accumulative and can be physically and mentally damaging over time. Stress manifests in the body as TMJ—teeth grinding, tension headaches, neck/shoulder pain and lower back pain.
Here are several practical ideas that you can use to help you dramatically reduce your stress level and live a much more productive life.
-Get plenty of sleep.
-Eat balanced meals and avoid eating junk food.
-Drink plenty of water and avoid nicotine, excessive caffeine and other stimulants.
-Avoid drinking alcohol in excess.
-Learn to make decisions quickly and let go of the need to over-analyze everything.
-Express your feelings appropriately and don’t bottle up your emotions.
-Avoid trying for perfection and don’t sweat the small stuff.
-Maintain a positive mental attitude by utilizing affirmative “self-talk.”
-Stop worrying so much and look at situations more optimistically.
-Smile and laugh frequently throughout the day, don’t take yourself so seriously.
-Mix leisure with work: take breaks and get away when you can.
-Make a point to spend quality time with your friends and family.
-Become more tolerant. Don’t be overly critical of yourself or others.
-Always be kind and gentle with yourself.
-Listen to upbeat music or watch your favorite movie.
-Exercise for cardiovascular fitness three to four times a week.
-Set written goals, plan your time and prioritize your activates.
-Keep a list of things to do and stay focused on short-term accomplishments.
-Get a massage or take a warm bath.
-Do something nice for someone else.

-Rismedia 2/4/11