Stress management

By: Linda Hampton
10 questions you ask yourself right now to permanently eliminate stress

What is Stress? Stress is the emotional and physical strain that is caused by pressures from the outside world. It is the wear and tear our bodies experience both mentally and physically as we adjust to our changing environment.

These pressures (such as a death in the family, regular squabble?s at the workplace, extreme work pressure, etc.) are what lead to stress and are known as stressors. Your negative response to these stressors is what causes stress.

Is all stress bad? The answer to this is both - yes and no.

Everyone has some stress in their life. When you manage stress positively, it can increase our energy levels and providing you with a zest for living.

Stress turns bad when it becomes excessive and difficult to handle. It's then that stress becomes destructive and turns into distress. Too much stress will have a negative impact on your life, "What Really Makes You Tick?" 10 questions to live a healthier life

1. What do I really want?

This is a basic core question to answer. Finding something that you're good at can help realize a small step toward improvement. Diligence is the key to know that it is worth it.

2. How do you manage time effectively?

Prioritize your day so you get the most important tasks done first. Also don't put off the unpleasant tasks. Every time we think about them we cause ourselves stress. Give an unpleasant task a high priority and do it first.

3. Do I live a healthy lifestyle?

Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and ensure we get adequate rest our body is better able to cope with stress should it occur.

4. Do you know your limitations?

We cause ourselves a great deal of stress because we like people to like us and don't want to let others down. We end up doing more than we should. Learn to be assertive and how to say no without upsetting or offending people.

5. What causes you stress?

Take time to discover what is worrying you and try to change your behaviour to reduce it.

6. Do I avoid unnecessary conflict?

Don't be too argumentative. Is it really worth the stress? Look for win - win situations. Look for a solution to a dispute where both parties can achieve a positive outcome.

7. What motivates me? What motivates you?

It's an answer you have to find out for yourself. There are so many things that can make you happy - to choose one of the may be a difficult thing to do. Give yourself time to be alone and write down the times in your life that you would stop at nothing to reach your goal.

8. Should I really change?

If history has taught us one thing, the more we change the more we remain the same. Mini skirts are just as much of today's dress as it was in 1970's.

9. Accept the things you cannot change

One of the hardest things in life is to recognize changing a difficult situation is not always possible. If this proves to be the case acknowledge and accept things as they are.

10 Do you take time out to relax and recharge your batteries.

You will perform much better after a break and easily make up the time you used relaxing. Now take the time to answer these questions for yourself. Discover how living stress-free is closer then you think.