10 STEPS TO COPING WITH STRESS



1 - Don't be afraid to admit there's too much going on in your life.



2 - Acknowledge stress-related symptoms (panic attacks, poor sleep
patterns, repeated headaches or gut problems) as signs that something needs to
change.



3 - Be honest. Are you doing too much because if you stop you will
have to face facts you would rather avoid? (That you can't meet the demands of
your job; your children are getting out of control; your partner has lost
interest in life, etc.)



4 - If you're avoiding a major issue, don't keep it to yourself.
Verbalising your concerns to a friend, family member or counsellor (call British
Association Of Counselling on 01 788-550899), even briefly, will help clear your
mind.



5 - Take time away from your usual environment (go to a quiet cafe or a park
bench) and assess whether you're strong enough to tackle the big issue. If so,
sort it out straightaway. If it's too daunting, put the problem on hold until
you can deal with it more effectively - don't pile stress on stress.



6 - Look at what's going on at the moment. Have you experienced more
than one traumatic life event - a bereavement, divorce, new job - within the
past 12 months? Go easy on yourself and don't take on too much.



7 - Learn to say no or delegate jobs to leave more time for things
to enjoy. Be assertive: decide what you want and say so. Then stick to your
decision.



8 - Don't pay lip-service to changes you know make sense, such as
leaving the office at a reasonable hour. Get home on time three nights a week
until it becomes second nature. Schedule exercise and relaxation into your
diary.



9 - Distinguish between real demands and 'what ifs' and put the
'what ifs' out of your mind. What's the point of loosing sleep over whether your
daughter will get to university when her A levels are eight months away?



10 - Talk to yourself constructively. Instead of fretting over a
business speech, encourage yourself: 'I'll take a deep breath and relax -
they'll enjoy what I have to say.' Or repeat key phrases to yourself: I can
organise my life/I'm feeling more relaxed.'



(Source: Good Housekeeping UK)


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