by Catherine Morris

Created on: November 22, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Stress can wreak havoc on your life to the point of not being able to function. There may be many opportunities on offer in today's world, but there are also pressures which can cause us to be stressed. This is something best avoided as the journey back from burn out can be long and hard. Here are seven hot tips to help prevent this from happening to you:-

1) Know yourself: Take time to listen to your body and learn to recognise when you are not coping well. Be aware when your shoulders are raised and your muscles are tense. Ask yourself why you have a chronic headache. These symptoms are sure signs of stress. Make a list of what causes you to feel this way and identify trigger points that exacerbate the tension.

2) Be pro-active: Act sooner rather than later. Having realised that you are stressed, do not allow things to get out of hand. Decide to take control and do something about it.

3) Eat properly and keep fluid levels topped up: These are essential to maintaining health. Drink water and eat regularly and healthily throughout the day in order to maintain blood-sugar and hydration levels.

4) Sleep well: When the body is at rest there is a chance for it to recharge and recover. True rest means switching off and losing consciousness rather than tossing, turning and allowing your mind to go into overdrive just because the house is quiet and there are no distractions. Find a way to relax properly.

5) Exercise regularly: This may be as simple as deep breathing and stretching or be a more vigorous activity, either at the gym or at home. It may be using treadmill or cross-trainer, walking the dog, jogging or cycling. Raising heart rate for at least ten minutes each day will release chemicals in the body which help to combat the effects of stress.

6) Make changes in your life to de-stress: Jobs and relationships are just two areas of life that can cause stress. It may be more difficult to make major differences either easily or quickly, but it is possible to bring about change with small steps which can help.

7) Make time for yourself: First aid begins with looking after self. It is too easy to play many roles in life whilst losing sight of your own identity and needs. Giving yourself permission to do something you enjoy, such as a hobby or listening to music, will help to de-stress your life and prevent burn out.

These seven hot tips may seem just common-sense but following them could help you avoid the trauma of stress by taking greater control and making your life happier.

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