by Suzanne Bertrand

Created on: December 26, 2009   Last Updated: February 02, 2010

Stress is mental tension that changes a person's sense of inner equilibrium. Everyone has a unique way of exhibiting stress. Knowing how stress is exhibited in your life will add insight into coping with stressors. Being aware of inner symptoms that signal stress will act as an early alert system.This awareness makes it easier to cope with stress when it occurs. Here are ways to help you to handle stress with ease.

*Set healthy boundaries

Evaluate your schedule and decide which activities are voluntary. When you take charge of your responsibilities, pick the activities that will rejuvenate instead of rob your energy. Practice saying “no” if you need to or possibly “I will think about it.” Blocking out periods of time may be helpful to build in a buffer zone which can be used for personal time. Picking your activities wisely will keep you from over committing and under delivering.

*Make time for leisure activities

Relax and learn to incorporate deep muscle relaxation into your routine. Take a moment each day and work through each muscle group by tensing and relaxing. This will help to alleviate tension. Spend time doing the things that nourish your soul. Every time you take a moment to do activities that you enjoy, you build a layer that will fight off stress. Take time to “layer up” with reading, resting, gathering with friends and going to movies or restaurants.

*Be physically active

Find ways to build physical activities into your week. If this is new for you then focus on activities that will be easy to continue such as walking and swimming. Look for activities that will benefit your cardiovascular system which in turn will reduce stress. As you get into a routine, you will look forward to your physical outlet. Keep trying new ways to reduce stress. Pilates and yoga can be great ways to calm your system too.

*Experience the outdoors

Take time to be outdoors whenever it is possible. Getting a dose of vitamin D while taking a sun break can enhance your endorphins and ward off stress. Being outdoors in wet or cold weather can be invigorating too. Release your stress while outside even if you have time for only a quick break.

*Build a support network

Allow yourself a chance to vent sometimes. Talking with a friend during a difficult time can be an important coping strategy. Seek out friends and family that are supportive of you. Build a healthy support network that will be on your team in life. Having a strong support network improves your coping skills.

Taking time to face stress, letting go and then mobilizing a strategy will provide long lasting coping skills. When life becomes stressful take time to determine where stress is coming from and how to make changes. If you have an overbooked day that turns into an overbooked month then step back to reevaluate the situation. Check for ways to possibly delegate some items. Take time to learn from it and see if there are ways to make things go easier. When busy days turn to stressful ones, make sure you always get a five minute break. Allow yourself to maximize your break by truly relaxing and enjoying a small splurge just for you.

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