Misconceptions about Stress
1. We always know when we are under stress – Often people become so accustomed to stress that they become unaware of it. Many of us suffer the debilitating effects of stress even though we don’t feel tense. Stress can change the way you treat others or damage your body even in the absence of feelings of frustration or anxiety.
2. Stress is something, which affects only those who have high-pressure lives – Many ordinary individuals experience constant stress resulting from worry or leading unfulfilled lives.
3. The only way to lower stress is to change your surroundings or to take medication – Changing your outlook on life is the most reliable and effective way of reducing stress. Stress comes from the way we perceive the world andnot from the way the world really is.
4. Stress is caused by events that happen to us – It is not events in themselves that cause our distress, but rather the views we take of events.
5. Emotions have a will of their own and cannot be controlled – We can change our feelings by first changing our behaviour or by changing our thinking. For example, developing a new understanding of a situation can make it less threatening or stressful.
Tips for Managing Stress
Talk to family and friends: It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are people who care and are available to listen when you need to talk. They may even be able to offer some help. If they do offer their help – “just say YES”! Reduce chemical stress: Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and sugar can all raise energy on a short-term level, but in the long run they will just make things worse. Limit their use especially at bedtime so that your sleep is not disturbed. Put things into perspective: Ask yourself if an issue is really worth the emotional and physical energy it is costing you and does it really matter in the long run? Prioritize the problems you need to deal with and tackle the most important ones first. Give yourself permission to let go of things that you cannot get done. Slow down when your leave work: Find a hobby or noncompetitive activity that you enjoy, such as sports, yoga, reading, or listening to music. Take a long bath or get a massage. Leave the work pressures behind when you go home for the day.
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