Stress has become a silent driving force in our society.
Its impact affects us emotionally, spiritually, physically, and even mentally.
Stress, if uncontrolled or unmanaged, can contribute to the onset of suicides, domestic violence, and serious diseases such as heart problems, strokes, mental breakdowns, and a host of other maladies.
There are many ways to cope with stress.
However, it is important to recognize what is causing you stress.
The first step in this process is to take an honest evaluation of the things that are stressful to you.
This helps to monitor your responses and reactions to those situations.
It gives you the ultimate control to take charge of your stress.
Taking a proactive approach to stress is critical.
The first tip in the series of Stress R.
E.
L.
I.
E.
F.
is simply rest.
1.
R - Rest from mental, emotional, and physical work.
Take time during the day to relax and gain back your energy.
Take at least 15 minutes each day to regroup and relax.
Though some days are more hectic than others, don't be tempted to get so engulfed that you lose sight of the main focus.
Become your own life coach and develop some techniques to avoid the temptation of bringing the situation into your personal space.
Become more objective by distancing yourself emotionally from the problem or situation.
At the same time, become aware of your trigger points - those things that bother you or are upsetting to you.
By doing so, it becomes easier to recognize when your stress is building so you can intercede with some positive reinforcements.
As I was writing this article, I took a break to talk with Verizon FIOS about an unusually large bill.
After 1 hour of trying to resolve the issue and getting nowhere, I could feel the stress rising.
The delays caused by long holds and a few disconnects only added to the stress.
I paid attention to my reactions and noticed that my voice tone had changed, my pitch was high, and I was getting anxious.
Two and a half hours later, the transaction was completed and by then I had a splitting headache.
I quickly recognized the state I was in and decided to take my own advice.
I went outside and spend some quiet time in my garden.
There I was able to disconnect from all negative emotions and within 30 minutes I felt better.
The headache and stressful feeling had disappeared and I felt more at ease.
Rest is a great proactive approach.
During your rest periods take time to appreciate yourself and who you really are.
Learn to love yourself in a healthy and wholesome manner and always live by your values.
Quote: Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.
~Ovid Stay tuned for Tip #2.