STRESS MANAGEMENT AND REDUCTION
Relaxation is a simple art that requires practice and dedication. It is as simple as sitting down , closing your eyes , and thinking of nothing but breathing. Relaxation reconditions the mind to become quiet and peaceful. Many of us work highly stressful jobs without having any knowledge of how to relax or developing coping strategies. Coping strategies are important in helping you deal with everyday stress. Not every strategy is beneficial to your mental health, however. Concealing symptoms from yourself by reducing your body’s sensitivity to them or distracting yourself from your problems with out solving them are harmful coping strategies. They usually involve the use of drugs, including alcohol and tobacco products. The work hard/play hard syndrome is also distracting technique that uses competitive play as a temporary escape from work stress.
The first approach to effective stress management is to alter the stressors. When this is not possible, learn to reduce the arousal level in situation s where stressors exist. Reducing your arousal level in situations where stressors exist. Reducing your arousal level can be accomplished through breathing exercises, which are effective way of reducing stress, anxiety, depression, muscle fatigue, irritability and tension. Progressive muscle relaxation is another method that makes you aware of tension and helps you to keep your muscles in a relaxed state. A third method of reducing your arousal level is autogenic or self generated, training. This technique increases your ability to organize your thoughts coherently and disciplines your mind to remain focused on your mental activities. Lastly, visualization, a form of daydreaming, allows you to create an environment where you can male your thoughts a reality. It allows you to create your own special means of escape, rest and relaxation. Stress management requires time and patience. Begin in small doses and in low stress environments, then gradually increase your relaxation training. There are different techniques to deal with emotional and social stress. It is important to realize that everyone needs to manage stress. It is also important to realize that there are four equally important facets of a workable stress management program: fitness and exercise, good nutrition, rest and relaxation, and high self-esteem.
Keep in mind the following guidelines for personal stress management. When something bothers you it is important to talk to someone. Consider creating a diversion from the problem for short while. Work off your anger with some activity unrelated to the problem. On occasion, give in or compromise. Do something for someone else. Prioritize and deals with one thing at a time don’t try perfection in everything. Be careful not to be too critical of others, occasionally, give your competition a break. Approach others instead of always waiting to be approached. Last but not least, schedule some recreation as a relief from your everyday pressure. The philosophy of mental health is essentially a philosophy of faith in yourself, in others, in your ability to improve and grow, and in the essential goodness of human beings.