Don’t Stress About Stress During Times of Stress

By Mark Vockentanz

The devastating part about stress can simply be your response to it. In other words, some stress is inescapable, which means you have no choice but to confront it. Your best approach is to deal with it in a healthy and responsive way. That is, your response is not reactive or destructive.

The formula for stress management is: stress + your response = outcome. Therefore, you still have a chance to adjust your response so it will result in a positive outcome.

Tip #1 Make a list of all the things that make you feel stressed. Identify those that you can control and those you will need to prepare yourself for.

Tip #2 Try to minimize your to-do list by identifying a few manageable tasks. This will lessen your load.

Tip #3 Take time to recharge your batteries. Take scheduled breaks and know your limits.

Tip #4 Open up to family and friends sharing your ups and downs. This will help you gain a better perspective on things.

Tip #5 Laugh and smile more often finding humour in yourself and life. Laughter has a therapeutic effect.

Tip #6 Integrate some form of solitude and relaxation in your day. Yoga, tai-chi, meditation, and prayer are a few examples.

Tip #7 Take part in both cardiovascular and strength training exercises on a regular basis.

Tip #8 Take the time to enjoy soothing forms of music and get your daily dose of nature. A walk in the park will do just fine.

Tip #9 Give your body the opportunity to repair, recover, and rejuvenate by making sure you get adequate sleep each night. No less than 7 hours (no more than 9) of quality sleep.

Tip #10 Nourish your body, mind, and soul. That is, healthy food, healthy thoughts, and healthy behaviours.

Don’t let stress scare you. You have more control over it than you think.

Mark Vockentanz, BHK, CMTA, CHLC is a Wellness Coach and founder of V3 Life Transformations – for Vision, Vitality, Victory. With more than 20 years industry experience, Mark offers one-on-one coaching to help individuals find an alternative path to true health and vitality. Mark can be reached at 519.777.6811 or email v3lifetransformations@sympatico.ca. www.v3lifetransformations.

Published in Networking Today October 2008