Relax Already! 10 habits of highly effective stress managers By Allen Elkin If you’re reading this, chances are you’re one of the millions of people who are stressed in every aspect of their lives: at work, at home, in relationships, financially, and even by little things like traffic jams and rude cashiers. Unfortunately, the stress epidemic sweeping our country is not only widespread, it’s also on the rise. According to the American Psychological Association, 77 percent of Americans say that they “regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress;” 73 percent have “experienced psychological symptoms;” and 48 percent feel that “their stress has increased over the past five years.” It’s impossible to get through life without encountering stress, and unfortunately, most people don’t learn the correct ways to cope with it. That’s why symptoms ranging from feeling tired, irritable, and worried to experiencing muscle tension, indigestion, a lowered immune system, and even heart disease are so common.
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The good news is, managing your stress isn’t a magical process. It’s all about mastering new behaviors and finding new ways of looking at yourself and your world. If you’re committed, you can retrain how your body and mind react to all types of stressors. You’re more in control than you may think you are. Here are the 10 habits of highly effective stress managers: Know how to relax. In order keep stress at bay, you need to know how to let go of tension, relax your body, and quiet your mind. Keep in mind that there is no one right way to relax. Some people prefer meditation or focused breathing, while others gravitate toward a more active approach, with techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation. Attaining a state of greater relaxation, however, need not be limited to formal approaches. Any activity that distracts you from the stressors of your world can be relaxing. It can take the form of a hot bath, a stroll in the park, a cup of coffee (decaffeinated, though), or a good book or favorite TV program.
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