Stress Management

Hello Everyone,

I know I am off track but I really wanted to share some thoughts on how to manage stress. I know we are too busy and stressed in our current life style. Even Weekends are busier than weekdays... Especially for Moms with small kids, so in this blog I will try to put some points which may help you in managing the stress...

So here you go...

What stress means…..

Stress can come very unexpectedly as a result of events that we have no control over such as tragic and unexpected events both in personal and professional front. Stress is the body’s automatic response to any physical or mental demand placed on i.e. either have Fight or Flight response to this stress. What I mean by this is either we try to run away from work / responsibilities to we try hard to complete things in hand... and get more stressed.

Is Stress Bad or Good

Moderate levels of stress may actually improve performance and efficiency

Too little stress may result in boredom

Too much stress may cause an unproductive anxiety level

“It is your attitude, not your aptitude, which determines your altitude.”

--Zig Ziglar

Type & Effect of Stress 

TYPE OF STRESS

Physical/ Chemical

·         Intense Exertion

·         Manual Labour

·         Lack of Sleep

·         Travel

·         Drugs, Alcohol, Caffeine

Emotional/ Mental

·         Anger, Guilt

·         Loneliness, Fear

·         Perfectionism

·         Worry, Anxiety

·         Long work hours

EFFECTS OF STRESS

Physical/ Chemical

·         Weight gain/loss

·         Unexpected hair loss

·         Heart palpitations

·         High blood pressure

Emotional/ Mental

·         Mood swings

·         Anxiety

·         Can lead to depression

·         Can also lead to unhealthy coping strategies (i.e. alcohol, drugs, etc.)

Strategy to Manage Stress

ABC Strategy

·         A = AWARENESS

What causes you stress?

How do you react?

·         B = BALANCE

How much can you cope with before it becomes negative?

·         C = CONTROL

What can you do to help yourself combat the negative effects of stress?

Adjust Your Attitude

Tips to Adjust your Attitude

All in your Mind: It’s all in mind, if your mind thinks right, you will feel better, you will be fruitful in your work and without getting stressed you will finish your work in time.

Address Your Fears: This is very important point, We think negative, we get stressed however we never think why are we stressed is it because of some fears like getting scolding from your boss, feeling guilty about not completing your responsibility or you need good grades and you have not studied enough. Hold on and think about it for a minute. If you address your fear there is a chance that you might also find the right way to address these fears. You will also understand that some fears are exaggerated by our mind without a reason.

Connect with Others: Once you know your fears and the reason of the stress, sometimes it is important to share it with someone. Having friends who listen to you is a god’s gift. You don't need hundred friends but having just one friend who will stand by you forever is enough. I do know I am talking idealistic but trust me, what we can do it have one friend in office with whom you share all office gossip and issues you have to take advice from him/her. Have one friend who will be there to share the personal issues let it be fights you have at home or how to handle kids. Once you start sharing you will understand everyone has similar issues just different shades so you can guide each other easily.

Review you’re Time Management: If you are mom, you will know that 24 hours are not enough and whatever you do the task list is never done... Trust me you will not go through it unless you prioritize. Once you learn how to manage your time, you will have some relief and may be time for yourself.

Let it GO: Very important thing, we mom wants everything to be perfect, we want to be perfect mom, daughter, and wife etc. etc... However, you know what that may also create stress how about we try and let it go some time. Just think about it, if you do not cook dinner coz we were working late in the office on important presentation... do you feel guilty that you did not cook dinner for your husband? If yes then you have to stop being perfect all the time... in this case, you should just let it go... eating something out of fridge for one day will not make you bad wife.. Think that you completed your important presentation and you are ready for next day at work...

Eat Breakfast: Very simple suggestion but we do not follow it, do we?? You need energy to handle all chores, to run behind your kids and to work hard in the office.

Dress Up: Always dress up nice :) when in bad mood, get freshen up and dress up put on some make-up... trust me it works like miracles...

Managing Stress some tips:

·         Changing perceptions and expectations

·         Break jobs/tasks into manageable parts

·         Set reasonable/realistic goals

·         Avoid procrastination

·         Set boundaries

·         Don’t compromise your values/beliefs

·         Schedule “me” time

·         Laugh it Loud

·         Sing a Song

·         Chew some Gums

       When we talk to someone about our feeling they can be of below category :) choose them wisely...

"I "If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it." - Mary Engelbreit

Regards,

Vidya