A stressful life and the inability to handle stress well is a big
contributor to depression. A lot of people that suffer from depression
tend to get stressed very easily and don't cope well with it. It can be
helpful to try and set up a Less Stress Program in your daily life to help lessen the stress that you face each day. Starting
in the morning, start of with a drink of water. Some gentle exercise
such as yoga or stretching can be very beneficial to start of the day.
Follow this by a healthy breakfast and then sit and work out a plan for
your day. Planning your day and being organised can help to alleviate
stress throughout the day. Creating the right environment A
good environment can be very helpful to keep stress to a minimum, try
to be in natural light every day. Have soft lighting at home and around
the office, harsh light can cause headaches. If sitting at a desk keep
a good posture and make sure to take regular breaks to stretch and walk. Careers
or jobs can be very stressful so its important to minimise the stress
by sticking to a time table and not to work overtime constantly, don't
overdo it. Overtime is sometimes unavoidable but try not to make a
habit of it. Don't pressure yourself, be realistic when you plan your
day - don't overdo it. Create a pleasant workforce, constant
criticism and rudeness will cause stress in the workplace. Kind words
and praise will create a pleasant workplace. A rule that can help keep
the positiveness is the two for one rule. If you ever say something bad
to someone or criticise someone, try to follow it with two nice
comments, this will make them feel better and will also make yourself
feel good. Alone Time It is always important to make
time for yourself, try to regularly do something you enjoy just for
you. It doesn't have to be anything major, it can be something like
reading, walking, yoga or a long bath. Just that bit of time doing
something for yourself can have amazing results. Time for family It is also very important to make time to spend with your family. Quality
family times are the most rewarding times, take time out regularly to
give your undecided attention to your family. If you don't have time -
replan your diary and make time, you will feel so much better for it in
the long run and it will make your families lives so much better too. Nothing
is more important than family, don't spend your life feeling guilty
about not spending enough time with your family, spend it with them
now, make the time. Time management Be realistic
when you plan your day, don't try and fit more into your day than you
can realistically achieve. Arrange your priorities, time management is
not just for the office but also for home. Organise your time for
housework and cooking. Once you are organised well, you will get more
done in less time. Don't skip your lunch break and when possible
have lunch outside, enjoy some fresh air and get that complete break
from the daily routine. Eating Your diet can effect
the way you handle stress. If you are healthy, you are happier and you
handle stress better. Eat healthy nutritious meals and chew slowly,
don't rush your meals. Always try to have your meals with your family, don't eat on the run, sit down and enjoy your meal. Exercise As
mentioned earlier, exercise is very important in helping to reduce
stress, try to exercise three times a week. Stretch daily to keep your
body flexible Breathing Our bodies need plenty of
oxygen, a lot of people under stress tend to breath shallow breaths not
allowing enought oxygen to enter their body. Practise deep breathing
daily, you will find this will do you the world of good. Treat yourself Treat
yourself every now and then whether it be a massage or a day at the
salon. Think highly of yourself, treat yourself becasue you deserve it. Sleep Sleep
is very important, make sure you get enough sleep. At least eight hours
of sleep a night are extremely beneficial to help with your daily
performance. Relax before bedtime and wind down, this will help you to
sleep better. Positive thinking Try to have positive thoughts throughout the day. Smile - laugh and the world laughs with you! If
there is a situation where you are worried or feel down try and talk to
someone about it - a problem shared is a problem halved - it can make
you feel a lot better when you talk to someone. Love and appreciate
your family and friends, when you show love and kindness to others they
show it back in abundance. Negative thinking can be contagious,
if you are down others around you can become down also. Fortunately it
is the same in reverse, being happy and positive can rub off on those
around you. Remember - every good thought you think is contributing its share to the ultimate result of your life. |
