Stress management

Stress management tips

People can learn to manage stress and lead happier, healthier lives. Here are some tips to help you keep stress under control.

• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Accept that there are events that you cannot control.
• Be assertive instead of aggressive. Express your feelings, opinions or beliefs rather than becoming angry, defensive, or passive.
• Learn and practise relaxation techniques; try meditation, yoga, or tai-chi for stress management.
• Exercise regularly. Your body can fight stress better when it is fit.
• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
• Learn to manage your time more effectively.
• Set limits appropriately and say no to requests that might create excessive stress in your life.
• Make time for hobbies and interests.
• Get enough rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.
• Don't rely on alcohol, drugs, or compulsive behaviour to reduce stress.
• Look for social support. Spend plenty of time with people you love.
• Seek treatment with a psychologist or other mental health professional trained in stress management or biofeedback techniques to learn other healthy ways of dealing with the stress in your life.