TWENTY HEALTHY WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS IN RECOVERY

STRESS and RECOVERY

For most people in today's world, stress is a fact of life. In recovery it is especially true. Although it is impossible to eliminate all stress from daily life, it is possible to control the effect that stress has on the body & the mind. The first step in managing stress is to become aware of events in your life that cause you stress. The causes of stress vary from person to person, so that what causes you stress may not cause stress for another person. Once you are aware of what causes you stress, the goal is to find ways to avoid or control these things.

Relaxation techniques, when used consistently, can prove effective in controlling stress by helping you reach a state of mental calm, even when in the middle of a stressful situation.

Here are twenty things you can do to reduce or escape the stress you feel when you are unable to change a situation or to better cope with the stress of everyday living.

1. Work off stress.
2. Talk to someone you trust.
3. Learn to accept what you cannot change.
4. Avoid self medication.
5. Get enough sleep to recharge your batteries.
6. Take time out to play.
7. Do something for others.
8. Take one thing at a time.
9. Agree with somebody.
10. Manage your time better.
11. Plan ahead.
12. If you are ill, don't try and carry on as if you're not.
13. Develop a hobby.
14. Listen to music.
15. Eat sensibly and exercise.
16. Don't put off relaxing.
17. Don't be afraid to say no.
18. Know when you are tired and do something about it.
19. Delegate responsibility.
20. Be realistic about perfection.