When thinking about stress, it is useful to think first about what stress actually is: stress is the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them.
Here are simple indicators of our ability to handle stress. You might want to think about each one and how some simple improvements will help build your ability to cope with stress:
- Getting enough sleep Research shows a small reduction in sleep time can have an impact on how we think, behave and make decisions.
- Regular exercise is good for the mind, as well as the body.
- Eat sensibly with a balanced diet.
- Think positive - negative thoughts can act as self fulfilling prophecies.
- Try not to smoke or drink to excess
- Switch off: time spent on ourselves helps develop self-esteem and a sense of identity.
- Social interaction People benefit from involvement in something greater than themselves, such as doing things for a church or charity, and from simply spending time with friends
- Manage your life Plan a schedule which you manage, rather than one which manages you.
Don't forget all the support networks that are out there for you: your employee assistance programme, trade union, occupational health, friends and family.
You might not be able to stop stress but you can improve your ability to cope with it when it comes along.
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