by Kathy D

Created on: August 26, 2007

Avoiding stress all together is impossible. Stress is sometimes derived from the external - things that we cannot control such as a thunderstorm that appears on your wedding day or someone rear-ending your car. Some stress is internally based, which may be a matter of perceiving things negatively and possibly distorting the reality.

Overwhelming and continuous stress can decrease the ability to function in everyday life and also have adverse effects on our health.

Some tips for avoiding getting stressed:

1. Learn the difference between the things you can control and the things you can't. If you can't control a situation, you have to accept that and let it go. Sometimes the worrying is far worse than accepting the situation.

2. Exercising and eating right will help you to feel better all around and better able to battle stress. Empowering your body, will empower your mind and emotions.

3. Look at problems as a challenge, an opportunity to find solutions and improve your life. Did you get yourself into debt? Look at it as an opportunity to learn better how to manage your money, to do without things you don't really need and to turn your financial situation around. You can't do much about the past that got you into debt, but you can do something about the steps that will improve your financial future. Same theory applies to most any situation.

4. If you find yourself thinking negatively all the time, stop yourself in your tracks and turn that negative thought into something positive. Negativity attracts negativity. Have a positive attitude and you'll be surrounded by people who want to know your secret.

5. Identify, specifically, what causes you stress and ask yourself what you can do to improve that situation.

6. Silence is a killer. Turn to friends or family, or professionals if need be, to talk about your feelings. Knowing someone is there for you can lessen stress substantially. Gather a support system.

7. Turn your physical environment into a place of solace. If your home reeks of negativity, your mood will follow suit. Get rid of the clutter - downsize. Clutter can add stress in and of itself. It's stressful to wade through piles of junk in order to find what you need. Besides, it's not pretty to look at. Add life and energy to your rooms by painting walls a different color; adding candles; adding plants; pretty photos; rearranging furniture, etc. Making a change doesn't have to be expensive. Small changes can go a long way.

8. Learn to play again like you did as a child. Bring out that badminton set or horseshoe set that's been lying in the garage for ages.

9. Get a pet. A pet can be very comforting.

10. Try deep breathing exercises on a regular basis or yoga - anything that relaxes the body.

11. Learn to say no when appropriate, but also learn how to ask for help when you need it.

12. Make to-do lists and mark off each accomplishment as you go. Don't overwhelm yourself by feeling you have to do everything at once. Set realistic goals and accomplish them in steps. Lists can help you stay focused and lessen the stress.

13. Get outside more. Fresh air and nature tend to lift the spirit.

14. Reach out to others. This takes the focus off of yourself, your problems and enhances someone else's life.

15. Listen to upbeat music. While you're at it...dance a few steps. It's good for the body and mind.

16. Create a firm belief system, in which you base your life, your decisions upon.

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