Prevent Stress and Preserve Your Energy

A sledgehammer. A ton of bricks. Call it what you will. When stress hits you, you feel sluggish, harried and short-tempered.

While you can't totally avoid stress, you can stop it from dragging you down. Here's how:

• Learn to take care of yourself. Plan at least 20 minutes each day just for you. Read a book, go for a stroll or do something else you enjoy.
• Break down large goals into doable steps. Then, set realistic dates for reaching each step. When things pop up and change your time frame, be flexible enough to roll out Plan B.
• Make laughter a part of your life. Humor helps ease stress. Reading funny books, renting funny movies and watching TV sitcoms can brighten your day.
• Spend time with your family and friends. Setting aside a few hours each week to enjoy people and activities that really matter can help ease your stress. Doing so makes your problems seem less important.
• See the good as well as the bad. Write down or make a mental note of all the good things that happen each day.
• Blow off steam. Walk away or count to 10 if something or someone makes you angry. You may view the situation differently if you take time to calm down.
• Relax. Learn meditation, yoga, or other stress-reduction techniques. Practice them at home or during short breaks at work. 

Look at other brain drains in your life besides stress. Not getting enough sleep or drinking enough water can snuff out your energy. On the other hand, eating right and exercising regularly can help stave off stress.

Source: Krames Staywell